Ameer A. - MPower Change Field Organizer
Abdullah Akl“As a 2020 MPower Changemaker, I saw what it meant to organize and mobilize people during a historically difficult time. My time at MPowerChange trained me to stand up against injustice and to be an effective advocate for human rights. As a Changemaker, I was given the opportunity to organize and lead dozens of phone banks, register Muslim voters in key election states, and develop the #MyMuslimVote Summit, which convened hundreds of Muslims nationwide to design GOTV plans in their communities. Through this work, I had the honor of contributing to the historic Muslim voter turnout during the 2020 Presidential election. My experience with the MPower team gave me the required skills to join as a Director on a Campaign for U.S. Senate and become an effective National Campaigns Manager at a gender equity organization advising policymakers nationwide. As a young Muslim in the political arena, it was not often that I found comradery and mentorship, Alhamdulilah, I received that and more for the first time at M-Power. My experiences here were vital to my success, and I look forward to following the exceptional work of upcoming M-Power trained ChangeMakers! “
Abdullah A.- MPower Change Field Organizer
Abdullah Akl“My name is Abdullah Akl and I was a 2020 Changemaker with Mpower Change. In a year filled with so much uncertainty, I was sure that I wanted to support my community through its toughest time. I passed by the application for the Changemaker position and immediately applied. Mobilizing the Muslim community nationwide never seemed possible from small Staten Island, NY. But through being a Changemaker I was able to not only connect with Muslim communities but provide them with resources and support to amplify the needs of the community. From Healthcare for all, to Immigrant rights, the changemaker team that I was part of supported Muslims in coming out to vote nationwide during elections. Soon after the Changemaker period was over, I was adamant about continuing this impact with my community in Staten Island. From there, I started voter registration tables, and supported in civic engagement efforts at my local muslim community center. I began working on political campaigns within the area and used my changemaker experience to connect with more communities. In addition, I began work for The United Nations as a National Youth Ambassador, supporting and creating civic engagement opportunities for more young people across the country. I was also able to connect again with my local MAS Center where I helped lead their Public Affairs and Civic Engagement departments! Alhamdullilah, Ive been able to come full circle and return to Mpower Change in 2022 as a Field Organizer to bring what I learned as a Changemaker, and on the ground direct action, to the MPower team. Truly a dream come true to be able to leave a positive impact, support my Muslim community, and connect with Muslims throughout the country.”
Sinthia S. - MPower Change Field Organizer
Abdullah Akl“In the peak of COVID-19 I knew I wanted to make sure the voices of the Muslim community made it to the ballot- so I joined as a Changemaker fellow and phonebanked during the historical election of 2020 in my swing-state of North Carolina. The interpersonal skills, advancement in community organizing strategy, and connecting with a team of Muslims in policy and advocacy work equipped me for my ongoing endeavors as a legislative fellow at Poligon Education Fund, working in Congressional advocacy and providing trainings for Muslims across the country, and interning for Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in Washington, DC. Now as a field organizer, I have been able to further expand community organizing efforts to build a national base of Muslim leaders passionate about social change, inclusive policy development, and equitable outcomes for the Black and brown community and more. I was given the platform to build up the first-ever MPower Changemaker School for fresh organizers, help an anti-Islamophobic bullying campaign called MyMuslimFutures across NYC, and continue efforts to reach thousands of Muslim voters to be heard at the ballot box. It’s an honor to know that the work I’m able to do benefits others, and builds us to be stronger- it “MPowers” me, everyday. As a young Muslim interested in policy development and aspirations to run for office one day, this has been an invaluable experience to support my community thrive.”
