theculturalconnect.com | Nure Elatari

Nure Elatari, Communication Director

Nure Elatari of the Council on American-Islamic Relations

The often repeated story and belief about Muslims is that they preach intolerance, violence, and oppression. This is far from the truth, but it's a prevalent idea in a country as advanced as America, unfortunately. Nure Elatari, 25, has made it her mission in life to combat the ignorance. As Communication Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Arizona, she and CAIR are proactive about engaging and educating the public on the beliefs of Muslims and what's really going on. CAIR is on the forefront of protecting Muslim civil liberties and dispelling myths in America – everything from media appearances to distributing free Qur'ans to legal advocacy. It's an uphill battle, but CAIR is moving forward with the same, if not more, intensity than they started with. Get the details in this week's Non-Profit Spotlight.

Non-Profit

The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Founded

1994

Website

www.cairaz.org
www.cair.com

Name

Nure Elatari, Communication Director

Age

Hometown

Phoenix, AZ

Current residence

Scottsdale, AZ

Education

Degree in Intercultural and Organizational Communication and Mass Communication

Work Experience

Clear Channel Communication

Ethnicity

Middle Eastern

About the non-profit

The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a nonprofit 501(c)(4), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide and in Canada. The national headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.

CAIR’s vision is to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding. CAIR’s Mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Most notable milestones

CAIR has achieved much. It is hard to list the great work happening all over the US. But here are just a couple. Education initiatives after devastating problems happen in the world. An example would be the Danish cartoon scandal. CAIR came up with an initiative to educate on the prophet’s life and importance. We began doing open houses and giving away free DVDs or books about the life of the prophet. Passed out over 17,000 copies. After the desecration of the Holy Quran in Guantanamo, CAIR made initiatives to show importance for the Quran. We passed out over 50,000 free copies of it nationally. CAIR is achieving a lot when it comes to education and tolerance.

When it comes to civil rights CAIR is very strong and highly influential. In 2005, CAIR processed a total of 1972 civil rights complaints, compared to 1522 cases reported to CAIR in 2004. This constitutes a 29.6% increase. One major case concerns religious accommodation in driver’s licenses. The CAIR office came out with this review of codes, policies and practices in the 50 states because Muslim women were complaining of not being able to wear the head scarf in driver’s licensee pictures.

What's the niche?

We are the largest and leading Muslim civil liberties group in the entire nation. The foundation that CAIR sits on is very strong and the skills and qualities amongst the organization are unmatched.

What’s in store for the future?

More rights and security for Muslims in America. Better coverage of Muslims in the Media and better representation of our faith, Islam.

What’s the biggest challenge?

Dealing with ignorant or otherwise not open-minded people. The ideas that are being portrayed of Muslims in the media are that we are all terrorists, uneducated and that we oppress women.

Who would you like to be contacted by?

I would like to be contacted by people who want to make a difference in the media world in the way we portray individuals and their faiths or ethnicities. People who are honest, just, and want to see America and the world become a better place. People who want to make a difference for the future and for what is right and wrong.

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Guiding principle in life

Stay positive and no matter what happens, see the light at the end of the tunnel. In this field, it’s very easy to give up and not want to go forward, but you need to stay strong and stick with the cause and what is right.

Yardstick of success

National media coverage and on-air opportunities to speak the truth about our faith and culture. To spread the message that Islam is not a religion of hate and violence, but peace and compassion.

Goal yet to be achieved

Change the negative stereotypes which label Muslims. Create equality for all ethnicities and tolerance for others.

Best practical advice

Always be positive because negativity will block any path you may have to success.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

They always tell me that if I let the pessimism in society bring me down, then I will never succeed in anything I want to do. It is crucial to be yourself and continue doing what you love. People know I love making a difference.

Mentor

Dr. Ghalab Okla.

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

At age ten, I wanted to be an entrepreneur.

What motivated you to get started?

What motivated me was going to school in the states and feeling like I was really different. People staring at me when I walk with my mom because she covered her hair. When people made me second guess who I was, that was really what hurt the most. The turning point for me was when 9-11 happened. I knew I needed to make a difference and I had the skills to speak out and in a way where people could listen and really understand me.

What keeps you motivated?

I love seeing progress and seeing that we're making a difference in people’s minds. When people stop me in the street to ask me why I cover my hair or when I am in the grocery store and some random person wants to know about my beliefs. That is what keeps me going because that means there is a need for me to help educate and break the divide.

Like best about what you do?

Feeling like I accomplished something in my life other then make money and live. I want to feel I had some meaning to my existence.

Like least about what you do?

Non-profits have difficulty with leadership and management. It is very difficult to work under a non-profit in terms of finances and management. Dealing with a Board of Directors consisting of volunteers instead of someone who is working with you in the same organization.

Biggest pastime outside of work?

Shopping...Lol no, I'm kidding. Exercise and fitness.

Person most interested in meeting and why?

Well, I would like to meet the late Princess Diana, only because she did so many wonderful things in her life and she was never expected to do so. Her life was full of fame and fortune but her goals and aspirations were to help others.

Leader in business most interested in meeting and why?

Bill Gates, the reason being that he was someone who really struggled to be where he is today. With him being as giving and generous as he is with all his success. I am impressed with his devotion to his community as well as promoting education.

Three interesting facts about yourself

1. I speak 3 languages,
2. I enjoy fashion and art, and
3. I am very good in debate.

Three characteristics that best describe you

1. Easy going.
2. Open-minded.
3. Considerate.

Three greatest passions

1. Love
2. Family
3. Palestine

Favorite book

The Optimist.

Favorite cause

Helping feed the poor and ravaged countries.

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Nure Elatari of the Council on American-Islamic Relations

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