In 2001, a group of Eritrean Muslims gathered in Toronto, Canada to discuss how they could contribute to organizing and empowering the Eritrean Muslim community in North America. They believed in preserving the cultural and Islamic heritage of our community and in facilitating cooperation and collaboration between all the local Eritrean Muslim community organizations in North America and elsewhere. After about a year long discussion, the Eritrean Muslims Council was created, to be officially launched a year later at a general conference in Washington, DC.
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EMC Vision:
To empower Eritrean Muslims
EMC Mission:
To build and preserve a spiritually and culturally rooted, socially responsible, health conscious and financially developed Eritrean Muslim Community.
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Our Leadership
The Eritrean Muslims Council is governed by a Board of Directors whose members are elected at the annual convention. The Board is EMC’s highest authority in-between conventions. The Board develops and approves all EMC’s policies, activities and projects. The Board elects a team of executive officers, referred to as the Executive Committee, from among its members to serve for a period of one year. The executives committee implements projects and activities approved by the Board.
Current Executive Committee Offices are:
- Chair
- Vice Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Religious Affairs
YOUTH BOARD
Local Community: Originally from the Bay Area, but I have been involved in both the Northern and Southern California communities
Education: Undergraduate- International Development Studies, B.A. Graduate- Social Science and Comparative Education, M.A. UCLA
EMC Projects Involvement (Past & Present): EMC Goes Off to College Campaign, Annual Youth Camp, The Scholarship and Endowment Endeavor
Hobbies: I like to watch old soccer games with my dad. The only fox station I like… fox soccer! =)
Local Community: Originally from the DC metro area, or the “DMV” (DC, Maryland, & Virginia)
Education: Undergraduate: Accounting BS (in progress) at George Mason University
EMC Projects (Past & Present): Involved with EMC Goes Off to College campaign; Annual Youth Camp; Convention Entertainment Night
Hobbies: I love to travel and do spontaneous things like jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, etc. Have not done any of them yet but insha Allah that will soon change! I also love to play random games of sports like volleyball and flag football.
Local Community: I’m from Brampton, Ontario (Canada) and I was born in Toronto.
Education: Undergrad: York University, in Canada for political science and English Graduate: Beginning a Masters in Library and Information Science at Western University
EMC Project Involvement (Past & Present): This is my first year being involved with EMC projects. Since being on the board I”ve worked on the EMC Goes to College Campaign.
Hobbies: I love to read, watch television, and review them both. I”m also a beginner at tae kwon do.
Local Community: From Orange County, California, Anaheim to be specific. It’s Located next to Los Angeles California for those you who don’t know.
Education: Currently attending San Jose State University as a freshman
EMC Project Involvement (Past & Present): This is my first year participating on EMCY projects. Currently, I am working on the EMC goes to college forum and the EMC youth program for the annual convention.
HobbiesI have a passion for sports, basketball and soccer are my favorites. I also love a range of other things, from music to movies to video games.
Local Community: Toronto, Canada
Education: Senior High school
EMC Project Involvement (Past & Present): My favourite EMCY project was probably the planning for the college campaign. I love the EMC youth board since it has increased my connections with Eritreans outside of Canada
Hobbies I love snowboarding. I played for the school basketball and soccer teams. I love to draw and paint, as well as read books.
[/tab] [tab title=”Frequently Asked Questions”]
What is EMC?
EMC stands for Eritrean Muslims Council. It is a community organization that aims to connect and empower Eritrean Muslims.
When was EMC formed?
The organization was formally launched during a two-day conference on July 19-20, 2003, in Alexandria, Virginia.
How do I become a member of EMC?
Anyone who is Eritrean and a Muslim can be a member of EMC. Go to www.erimc.org and complete the membership form.
How can I find out more about EMC’s projects and/or committees?
Many EMC projects are listed on the EMC website. If you want additional information or would like to begin a new project, please contact EMC by using the contact us link.
How are EMC projects funded? Are all EMC transactions open to the membership and easily accessible?
All EMC projects are specifically funded and supported by voluntary participation and donations for that specific project. Any member can request access to EMC transactions and other pertinent information.
Who finances the activities of EMC?
EMC members voluntarily donate to support the various activities and programs the organization holds at a local and national level.
Can I send money?
No, we do not accept any financial help, unless it is requested and tagged for a specific project.
What is the EMC Annual Convention?
The annual convention is the premier event that EMC hosts, typically in the summertime. It is an annual gathering of members from all over North America, Canada, and sometimes from abroad. Convention activities include a two-day youth camp, Islamic speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment night, professional networking, and a matrimonial banquet It is also the time that the executive board provides its annual report on the activities of the organization. Reports on the following topics are provided:
- Finance
- EMC committee progress
- Strategy planning
- Upcoming future projects
- Leadership elections.
- Any proposals to amend the by-laws are brought to all members
Is EMC a political party?
No, and we do not plan to be one in the future either. Our focus is strictly on building up our capacity as community.
What is EMC’s relationship with other community organizations?
EMC strives to forge partnerships and alliances with diverse community organizations that share the same values and principles as EMC.
Does EMC support or oppose the Eritrean Government?
EMC, as an organization, does not take a stand on opposing or supporting any political party or government. Its members, as any other Eritreans, are free to support or oppose a political party or government. The views of the members do not necessarily represent EMC”s views. However, EMC may on occasions take a stand on specific actions, incidents or laws anywhere that impact Eritrean Muslims.
What is EMC’s relationship with Eritrean opposition organizations?
There are no relationships with opposition organizations. EMC functions as an independent community organization focused on strengthening Eritrean Muslim communities.
How can I help?
Become an active member of EMC, and participate in the projects and committees for the betterment of all Eritrean Muslims worldwide. [/tab] [/tabgroup]