UMAA CHAPTERS

What Is UMAA?

UMAA A grassroots Shia Organisation, founded with a purpose of advancing the social , economic, political and religious agenda of Shia Muslims in North America,  in the wake of the September 11th, 2001 tragedy which had provoked a very hostile environment for the Muslims of North America.  

The Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) immediately made its mark not just in the Shia community, but  people of other faiths accepted UMAA as the most credible, fair and  peaceful Muslim organization.  In the ensuing five years UMAA flourished as it organized annual conventions, seminars and conferences which attracted thousands of Muslims from all across North America.

Why Start an UMAA Chapter in your region?

Now five years into development, with a new leadership at its helm, it is envisioned that UMAA chapters be established around the country. These chapters will be the dynamic arms of UMAA to further  its mission to further enable the Shia Community to lead in promoting a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America.  The chapters will do so by.

1. Presenting an Shia Islamic perspective on issues of importance to our  fellow Americans in the regions
2. Facilitating capacity building through training internship programs  and leadership development programs developing the next generation of leaders.
3. Empowering the Shia community within their region  to foster PR and media relations as well as promote greater civic engagement within the regions.
4. Assisting UMAA  in carrying out  a survey  to prepare a strategic plan for the Shia Community.
5. Promote the Annual Convention and other activities national activities undertaken by UMAA.

How to form a Chapter

1. Find 10 or more like minded people who are interested in forming the chapter and committed to dedicate their time to the formation of an UMAA chapter.
2. Organize a kickoff event to announce the opening of the new chapter.  A member from UMAA Board will attend the kickoff event to coordinate the opening of the new chapter. You may include workshop, seminar or dinner for such an event. If needed UMAA will  be happy to provide the trainers for the workshops or speakers for the seminar. It is up to the Chapter leader to decide what kind of kickoff event would best suit them.
3. The Kick off meeting can also be a venue to promote the 2008 Convention and encourage the community to attend the convention.

How to run a chapter

1. Have a unit with one person as Convenor and one person as Secretary
2. Hold monthly dinner meetings inviting a speaker
3. The convener shall be invited to attend UMAA board meetings as an ex-officio member. The wishes of the regions can be conveyed for implementation/action y the Umaa Board
4. Plan at least  one outreach program per quarter that engages the local community.
5. Proactively cultivate the local media and leverage that connection to feed good news stories about Islam. UMAA Board will be assisting with such media resources.
6. Create a mentorship and careers guidance program for young men and women in the Community. Leverage the best talents amongst the young professionals in the Community to foster excellence in the professions.