UMAA - Universal Muslim Association of America

Why UMAA?

UMAA is an idea which had been there for years. The year 2002 provided an opportunity for this idea to translate into action. It took shape in September of that year. The organization has crystal clear and well-defined objectives. To summarize these objectives, UMAA is to work for the unity of Muslims, help fellow Americans better understand Islam, create political and civic awareness among the community members and address the socio-economic and political issues not being addressed by the Centers and other organization.

There is no desire to compete with or to duplicate any work that is already being done by the centers and other organizations. UMAA Delegates were sent to the major cities to make presentations and meetings with community leaders were held to gather ideas and suggestions. In a short period of time, UMAA has made good progress. The Constitution was adopted in 2006. Where as there is a Board of Trustees to overview the organization, the affairs of UMAA are administered and managed by the Executive Board, currently consisting of 41 Directors, who were duly elected under the Constitution and come from different parts of the country.

The President is assisted by the Board members to manage the organization. Because the decisions are taken by voting, after due discussion and deliberation in the Board meetings, nobody is given a special status or position nor ability to impose a decision. The works are assigned to commitees, headed by a Board Member, who work with three to five members to accomplish the assigned work. UMAA

The Annual Convention, which have attracted about 3000 people every year for the last five years from across the United States, is an effort to reach out to the grass roots, particularly to the young men and women of the Community whose number has registered steady increase over the years. The Program of the Convention every year is essentially geared towards and aimed at addressing the issues and challenges facing our youth in these critical times.

The work of appointing regional coordinators, and opening chapters in major cities across the country will soon begin. Those who will like to volunteer time to promote UMAA objectives in their area are encouraged to contact UMAA office. Under the constitution, you must be a member in good standing for two years to seek an office, and to be elected.

Vision

The vision of Universal Muslim Association of America ("UMAA") is to be a vibrant, exemplary and socially responsible organization that shall enrich American society by engendering an appreciation of Shia Ithna- Asheri Islamic values, ideals and ethics.

Mission Statement

UMAA seeks to provide a forum to foster unity among Muslims, to participate in civic and political responsibilities, to dispel misgivings about Islam and Muslims, to help fellow Americans better understand Islam in the light of the Qu'ran and the teachings and practice of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his Ahlul-Bait (AS) and to take all necessary measures to help implement UMAA's objectives including but not limited to social, religious, economic and political advancement of Muslims in America. Specifically, UMAA shall endeavor to:

1. Unify the Shia community in North America.
2. Help and serve in social, economic and political activities,
3. Be a forum to foster an effective grassroots participation by Muslims in the United States,
4. Enhance and build our intellectual heritage and facilitate interaction amongst intellectuals
5. Encourage communication and facilitate networking with other organizations,
6. Strive to ensure civil liberties,
7. Promote an accurate portrayal of the Muslim faith and people through intra-faith and interfaith activities and dialog,
8. Encourage and facilitate education,
9. Provide a forum and a platform for Shia Muslim youth,
10. Facilitate research on contemporary issues unique to living in the United States,
    Enable and facilitate health and human services, and
11. Participate in efforts to counter defamation.

Objectives

In furtherance of its mission UMAA objectives are to:

1. Organize Conventions, Seminars and workshops to help achieve its objectives
2. Cooperate and coordinate with other organizations pursuing similar goals
3. Publish magazines, websites, newsletters, brochures and written materials
4. Raise funds for the organization
5. Create Secretariat and other infrastructure to help implement the objectives of the organization