The concept for the Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) has existed for years. In September of 2002, the idea of establishing an institution unifying Muslim-Americans became a reality. The overarching objectives of UMAA include: working towards uniting Muslim-Americans, helping fellow Americans better understand Islam, and encouraging civic awareness and engagement within the Muslim community in order to address socioeconomic and political issues that may not be the focus of centers of worship and other organizations.

UMAA consists of a Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and Advisers who help guide the organization in its work. Current projects of the organization include human rights advocacy for Bahrain, media outreach in the wake of the Arab Spring, career counseling and professional development services, yearly scholarships for full-time students, and much more.

The annual UMAA Convention, which has attracted approximately 3,000 individuals each year since its inception, remains an effort to reach out to the Muslim-American community, both the young and elderly, in order to address pressing contemporary topics and boost civic engagement in domestic and global issues. The theme of each year's convention changes according to the different socioeconomic and political environment we are experiencing at the time.

Vision

The vision of the Universal Muslim Association of America is to be a vibrant, exemplary, and socially responsible organization that enriches American society by developing an appreciation of Shia Ithna-Asheri Islamic values, ideals, and ethics.

Mission Statement

UMAA seeks to provide a forum to foster unity among all Muslims, to participate in civic and political responsibilities, to dispel misgivings about Islam and Muslims, to help fellow Americans better understand Islam through the Qu'ran and the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his Ahl al-Bayt (AS), and to take all necessary measures to help implement UMAA's objectives including, but not limited to, the social, religious, economic, and political advancement of Muslims in America. Specifically, UMAA shall seek 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 intrafaith and interfaith activities and dialogue,
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,
11. Enable and facilitate health and human services, and
12. Participate in efforts to counter defamation.

Objectives

1. Organize conventions, seminars, and workshops to help achieve the goals of UMAA,
2. Cooperate and coordinate with other organizations pursuing similar political and other goals,
3. Publish magazines, websites, newsletters, brochures, and other written materials, and
4. Encourage civic participation in domestic and international issues relevant to all Muslims.