Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance (WMCA) successfully hosted its first-ever Advocacy Day at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, bringing together community members, elected officials, and advocates to discuss key legislative issues impacting Muslim communities in Wisconsin.

Held in the historic Senate Parlor Room, the event provided a powerful setting for participants to engage in civic action. WMCA organized transportation, offering a bus from Brookfield to Madison, ensuring accessibility for community members eager to participate in the democratic process.

The day began with an advocacy training, equipping attendees with essential skills to effectively communicate with their representatives. Following the training, five state legislators joined the group to discuss their work, express their support for Wisconsin’s Muslim communities, and share inspirational messages about civic engagement. The featured legislators included: Senator Chris Larson, Representative Francesca Hong, Representative Darrin Madison, Representative Angelito Tenorio, and Representative Ryan Clancy.

After hearing from these speakers, participants met with their respective legislators to raise awareness around Islamophobia and advocate for policy solutions regarding the issue. Islamophobia is a top priority concern for Wisconsin Muslims, thus advocating on this issue was critical for the community. Following a lunch break, attendees engaged in group reflections, sharing their experiences and discussing next steps for continued civic engagement.

As part of the day’s activities, Representative Robert Wittke took time from the Assembly floor to personally address participants in the Assembly Parlor Room. His presence underscored the significance of WMCA’s efforts in fostering dialogue and representation within the legislative process.

“WMCA’s Advocacy Day was a historic milestone for our organization and a testament to the growing civic engagement of Wisconsin’s Muslim community,” said Executive Director, Fauzia Qureshi.

“This event showcased the power of direct advocacy and the importance of ensuring our voices are heard in the legislative process,” added Fatima Malik, Policy Lead.

WMCA is committed to empowering Muslim communities through civic engagement, leadership development, and policy advocacy. Advocacy Day is just the beginning of ongoing efforts to build meaningful relationships with elected officials and advance policies that promote equity and inclusion.

For more information about WMCA and future events, visit www.wmcalliance.org or contact press@wmcalliance.org.