We're standing up to discrimination

Salaam, and welcome to our September newsletter! See below for what we were up to this month as well as our upcoming events:

No Muslim Ban Ever Rally

Poligon co-sponsored a rally in response to President Trump's third attempt at an anti-Muslim travel ban. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY-10), Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA-4), and advocates from many partner organizations spoke out against the devastating impact of this new ban and the importance of advocating to elected officials to take action.

#NoMuslimBanEver Twitter town halls

As part of the ongoing No Muslim Ban Ever campaign, Poligon also participated in #NoMuslimBanEver Twitter town hall discussions on September 19 and 28.

Hill Briefings on The Color of Surveillance Under Section 702

​Poligon attended briefings by the Arab American Institute and the Fourth Amendment Advisory Committee on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is set to come up for Congressional reauthorization later this year. This legislation allows government agencies to monitor communications between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, even if the foreign national is not suspected as a terror threat. Low-income, immigrant, and Muslim communities are particularly at risk for discriminatory targeting using the powers authorized in this law.

Hill Briefing on Urban and Rural Poverty

We also attended a briefing by the Salvation Army on the Human Needs Index, a unique way of measuring poverty in American communities using the organization's data the services it provides. The study showed that rural communities may have more basic needs than government data shows, because it is more difficult for them to access government services. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who participated in a discussion of the findings, highlighted the importance of providing hope and opportunity to low-income communities and the role of both governments and non-profits in alleviating poverty.

In the News

In anticipation of a rally by the hate group ACT for America, the Huffington Post featured an op-ed by our president Wardah Khalid entitled Less than One Month After Charlottesville, Bigotry is Back, in which she discusses the influence of Islamophobic groups on the country's political discourse and what Congress can do to condemn bigotry and violence.

Upcoming Events

No Muslim Ban Ever March
On October 18 when the new travel ban goes fully into effect, join us in Washington, DC to stand with Muslims, immigrants, and others impacted by this discriminatory policy. ​

Trainings
We've got lots of legislative trainings coming this fall. Keep an eye out for save the dates! You can learn more about our trainings, click here. If you'd like a training in your community, email us: info@poligonnational.org

Weekly Hill Happenings

We've been keeping you up-to-date on the latest on Capitol Hill with our Hill Happenings going straight to your inboxes every Friday.

Hill Happenings - September 22, 2017: Hill Headlines: Graham-Cassidy Health Care Reform, National Defense Budget Increase, Criminal Justice Reform, Keeping Kids' Insurance Dependable and Secure Act, Grow American Incomes Now Act, DREAM Act Discussions

​Hill Happenings - September 29, 2017: Hill Headlines: Graham-Cassidy, GOP Tax Reform Plan, The CHRONIC Care Act, The Reverse Mass Incarceration Act, Tax Relief for Hurricane Victims

Press Releases

September 6, 2017: Poligon Condemns Heartless Decision to Terminate DACA Program
September 25, 2017: Poligon Education Fund Condemns President Trump’s Revised Travel Ban

Actions

Thanks to your advocacy, we helped stop Amendment 115 to the House's annual Appropriations bill, which would have blocked Islamic Relief Worldwide from receiving federal funding for its charity work.

We're Hiring

This month we welcomed our new legislative fellow, Mariam Ahmed! We're still looking for additional dynamic individuals passionate about Muslim Congressional advocacy to join our team! Please visit bit.ly/PoligonNational to learn more about these positions and how to apply:

• Graphic Designer (part time, volunteer, remote)
• Marketing and Social Media Intern (part time, volunteer, remote)
  
  

Don't forget to visit our website to view our policy briefs and the latest updates. Like our Facebook page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date on news affecting American Muslims and our allies on Capitol Hill. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others.

Stay active,
​Ayesha, Afif, Nadia, and Wardah