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Arab American Civic Education Workshop to be Held Wednesday in Brooklyn

Posted on Monday July 29, 2002

The Arab American Institute Foundation will hold the second in its national series of civic education workshops on Wednesday, July 31 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

These workshops aim to strengthen participation of Arab Americans in the civic life of their communities, to discuss key issues, and to educate Arab Americans about their political rights and responsibilities.

Each session focuses on the particular needs of the local community, including setting specific goals and drawing up an action plan for implementation. It is also a forum for community members to ask questions and discuss concerns with local, state, and federal officials.

The Brooklyn workshop is organized in cooperation with the Center for Civic Education and local organizations such as the Arab American Christian Coalition, the Arab American Family Support Center, the Beit El Maqdis Islamic Center, as well as the National Merchants Association.

Robert Capano of the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President will open the workshop and deliver welcoming remarks on behalf of Borough President Marty Markowitz. District Attorney Charles J. Hynes of Kings County in Brooklyn will deliver the keynote speech.

Representing the Center for Civic Education at the workshop will be Mr. Steve Schechter, professor of Political Science and director of the Council for Citizenship Education at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. Mr. Schechter manages the New York site of “Civitas: An International Civic Education Exchange Program of the Center for Civic Education.” He will address the fundamentals of American civil society and the opportunities civic participation brings to immigrant communities.

Patricia Gatling, New York City Human Rights Commissioner, will talk about employment and housing discrimination, and Judge Matthew D’Emic of the New York State Supreme Court Brooklyn District will speak about jury duty, why it’s an important part of civic duty, and what it involves for the juror. Robert Howe, executive director of the Kings County Republican Party, and Ralph Perfetto, 60th District Leader of the Kings County Democratic Party, will discuss how to get involved in campaigns and elections.

Alia Malek, Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division and Arab-American Outreach Coordinator of the DOJ NOWG Initative to Combat Post-Terrorism Discriminatory Backlash, will talk about handling hate crimes, harassment, and discrimination, including those that occur in educational settings. Matthew W. Daus of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission will highlight Arab Americans’ contribution to the post-9/11 relief works and outline the Commission’s efforts to counter discrimination against Arab American taxi and limousine drivers since 9/11.

There is no charge for the workshop, but reservations are requested. A reception will follow the event.

Media coverage is welcome but members of the media will not be allowed to pose questions during the workshop, which includes the question and answer period. Members of the media are encouraged to seek one-on-one interviews with panelists and participants before or after the workshop.

WHAT: Arab American Civic Education Workshop
WHEN: Wednesday, July 31, 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: Auditorium Hall, Adelphi Academy, 8515 Ridge Boulevard, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn 11209