Communications Coordinator Amina Sharif, Speaks at University of Chicago
By Maniza Azam
In a panel discussion hosted by the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration(SSA) on January 27, Amina Sharif, CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator, talked to masters students about CAIR-Chicago’s advocacy work and the services it provides to the Muslim-American community.
Sharif discussed CAIR’s core mission to defend civil rights, fight bigotry and promote tolerance. She further addressed how the organization assists victims of hate crimes and discrimination.
CAIR-Chicago is registered with the University of Chicago’s SSA as an organization where students may take an externship, or field placement, in order to gain hands-on experience in social service work.
Sharif elaborated on the wide range of opportunities available to prospective externs from working in Civil Rights and Outreach, to her own department – Communications, whose tasks include fostering an accurate representation of Islam in the media. One student in the SSA program, Dina Rehab is currently serving as CAIR-Chicago’s Development Coordinator.
“SSA is a great program that is training future leaders of the social justice movement, and I enjoyed speaking to students who share such a passion for this kind of work,” said Amina Sharif. “After the presentation many students approached me about their interest in CAIR-Chicago.”
Other social service organizations represented on the panel included Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC), the Chicago Women’s Health Center (CWHC), Age Options, and the Field Foundation.
CAIR-Chicago will continue to participate in SSA panels in the future to serve as a resource to students seeking experience in social work.
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