Washington, D.C. (MASF) September 24th, 2010 – In a report released this week by commissioners of the 9/11 Commission, on the phenomenon of “homegrown terrorism”: released this week by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), youth programs by the Muslim American Society (MAS) and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) were cited as positive examples of a significant effort, launched by the Muslim community in the United States, to address efforts to promote violence and religious extremism among American Muslim youth. The report highlights MAS and MPAC’s positive alternatives to the promotion of violence and socially destructive influences from outside forces that seek to steer young Muslims in ways that are dangerous and counter-productive to themselves and their community. Both organizations have expanded their youth programs that focus on civic engagement, leadership training, and mentoring. The MAS youth program is called “The Straight Path Initiative.” It focuses on countering extremism, hate, and violence. It also provides activism training that prepares young Muslims to positively address issues involving social and economic justice.
The Straight Path Initiative was recently featured in a PBS Segment.