Volunteer Center
Volunteers are essential at CAIR-Chicago’s annual galas for a number of roles!
If you'd like to get involved in our work defending civil rights and fighting bigotry, please fill out the form below! We rely on the support of our community and allies to make our work possible, so we value your dedication to our work, mission, and vision. While we work to challenge and fight against manifestations of Anti-Muslimism, we are not a religious organization and welcome people from all backgrounds and identities to contribute to the success of our organization. We are always looking for meaningful work to give to our volunteers, and would love any and all ideas that you have for how you would like to contribute to our work! If you are looking for a more regular commitment, please consider applying for one of our many internship programs.
For questions about internships & volunteer opportunities, please email CAIR-Chicago Outreach Coordinator Taqio Rahman at arahman@cair.com
About Our Volunteer Activist Program
CAIR-Chicago Volunteer Activist (VA) Program
CAIR-Chicago is a firm believer in the potent power of volunteering: Harnessing the untapped treasure of talent and expertise that currently lies dormant in our community is one of CAIR-Chicago’s primary goals. It is a cost-effective, grassroots initiative that promises to be the heartbeat of our efforts to uplift the social and political standing of Chicago’s Muslim community.
Areas you can apply for include:
Events — Support CAIR-Chicago’s annual fundraising gala, Taste of Ramadan iftaar, speaker panels, and other events year-round.
Translation — Assist CAIR-Chicago with your language expertise in our civil rights and advocacy efforts. Remote options available.
Access 2 Faith Prison Project — Serve Muslim inmates in correctional facilities across Illinois with Jummah visits & donations of Eid meals, Qurans, and prayer rugs. Sign-up will require additional training.
Action Alerts & Community Mobilization — Help CAIR-Chicago gather petition signatures, send letters to representatives, pack city council/board meetings & make your voice heard for public comment, amplify voter education in your community, and more! Remote options available, i.e., WhatsApp & digital networking.
Volunteer as an attorney — Train in CAIR-Chicago’s Litigation Clinic with hands-on experience in impact litigation, earn credits, and support civil rights!
VOLUNTEER FORM
The Power of Volunteering
Volunteering strengthens both individuals and communities. By engaging directly with the issues that shape our future, community members become more informed, empowered, and active participants in civic life.
CAIR-Chicago’s volunteer program connects people who want to make a difference with meaningful opportunities to support civil rights, advocacy, outreach, communications, and community service.
Organized Community Activism
Our volunteers are matched with opportunities based on their skills, interests, and availability. This helps ensure their time and talents are used effectively while allowing them to contribute to causes they care about.
At CAIR-Chicago, volunteers are more than extra hands—they are Volunteer Activists (VAs) and an important part of our team and mission.
Drawing Inspiration From Our Legacy
Volunteering is deeply rooted in our Islamic tradition. The Holy Qur’an states:
“And by the Bounty of your Lord – Proclaim.” — Qur’an 93:11
This reminder calls us to share the blessings we have been given—not only our wealth, but also our time, talents, skills, and expertise.
That spirit of service also reflects the responsibility of active citizenship. Fighting prejudice, defending civil rights, strengthening our communities, and working toward a more just society benefit all of us.
Volunteering embodies both Islamic service and engaged citizenship.
Join CAIR-Chicago’s Volunteer Activist team and use your time and talents to make a meaningful difference.