What is an NPO?
An NPO is an acronym for Non Profit Organization. NPO generally receive their start up funding is provided by their members, trustees, or
others who do not expect repayment, and who do not share in the organization’s
profits or losses which are retained or absorbed. Governments, other organizations, and corporations also fund NPOs but only make up 27% of their funding.
For the most part they advocate for economic, social, and environmental goals that do not have monetary incentives associated to them. While many NPOs engage in social aspects of people's lives they also represent them as a collective group either in the media such as news or art, lobbying in the branches of government, or in legal issues associated to lawsuits and claims of discrimination. NPOs operate on many different levels geographically. They can be focused on the domestic level of states where they work on certain communities, municipalities, or nationwide, and even internationally. This all depends on the goals and resources of each individual NPO. Today there are thousands of NPOs around the world advocating for betterment of people's lives and the spread of freedoms, rights, and protections. Many are focused in the United States and the issues or problems they see in this country. |
How They Help Muslim Americans
Out of the multitude of different kinds of NPOs in the world today, there are several that advocate for the rights and cultures of minority groups within the United States. Of these groups are Muslim Americans, who especially after September 11 and the rise of Islamaphobia have been discriminated against, unrepresented government, misrepresented in the media. Thankfully there are organizations that advocate for the Muslim community and groups that make up parts of that community. These include but are not limited to Muslim Public Affairs Committee (MPAC), the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), and the American Islamic Congress (AIC).
These groups not only fight discrimination against the groups they represent, but also advocate for their inclusion in American society. As part of their strive to be recognized as part of the greater America they engage in many levels of society. Along with dispelling false stereotypes, they educate the American public about the group they represent and visa versa through media outlets, court rooms, and strive for civil advocacy through the courts and ballot box. These NPOs provide a platform from which members can voice their opinions, organize themselves, and express their grievances. These NPOs not only fight for the rights of their members but fight for the right of their right to be accepted and welcomed into American society. |