The CAIR chapters are dynamic arms of CAIR that carry out our mission to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. They assist in presenting an Islamic perspective on issues of importance to the American public. Our chapters also empower the American Muslim community within their region through political and social activism, training, media relations and internship programs. Our chapters assist the Muslim community in protecting their civil rights and assist them in discrimination cases. 

More and more communities are interested in forming a CAIR chapter within their region. The process of forming a chapter is outlined below: 

Part I

1. Have 15 or more people who are interested in forming the chapter and committed to dedicate their time to the formation of a CAIR chapter.

2. Fill out the application form and forward it to CAIR Chapters along with the bios and contact information of the five main contacts. 

3. CAIR will assess the merits of the application. We also will look at the people on the form and contact prominent members of their communities as means of reference checks. We do this to all applications to ensure that the chapter is non-partisan and not involved with existing internal conflicts within the Muslim community in the area. CAIR serves all community equally without any prejudice. 

4. If there are any concerns they are brought back to the applicants for clarifications

Part II

5. The application goes to the CAIR Board of Directors. The Board will decide via teleconference whether to grant initial "Organizing Status" to the chapter. 

6. If the Board approves "Organizing Status", the letter of acceptance goes out to the applicants, requesting to arrange for a kick off event with the local community.

7. "Organizing Status" is a probationary status and will last for six (6) calendar months to (1) one year from the date of the acceptance letter.

8. The chapter will then sign the chapter agreement with CAIR National to abide by the bylaws and rules outlined in the chapter manual. 

9. The chapter organizes a kickoff event to announce the opening of the new chapter. A member from CAIR-National or a Board member will attend the kickoff event to announce the opening of the new chapter. Suggested ideas for this event include workshop, seminar or dinner. CAIR provides the trainers for the workshops or speakers for the seminar. It is up to the community to decide what kind of kickoff event would best suit them. Often this is a good opportunity for the chapter to raise some funds for their operation. 

Part III

10. After six months or thereafter when the chapter feels that they are ready they can apply for an "Active Status". The approval will depend on how active the chapter has been during this time. Some of the requirements may include:

11. If the chapter has a permanent office managed by full time or part time staff

12. The number of CAIR related activities the chapter has conducted during this time. This is evaluated through the monthly reports and participation in the chapter meetings. 

13. If the chapter is dormant with very little or no activity, within the first year the chapter application may be revoked.

If your community is interested in starting a CAIR chapter, please contact CAIR at 202-488-8787 to obtain an application form and chapter manual.