Equipping Muslim Communities through Civic Engagement: The Work of ImpactHub

Photo courtesy: ImpactHub

Pro-Palestinian civil rights activist and former Christian pastor Shaun King, who converted to Islam during Ramadan earlier this year, gave his seal of approval for the civil action organization, ImpactHub, during its first fundraising event the weekend before the presidential election. 

“When we don't organize, we can be abused and mistreated, not just here in the United States, but all over the world,” said King. “Politicians respond to the people that they know. They respond to the people that donate to them, that got them into office … we're winning the battle on social media, but if tweets or Instagram posts could end a genocide, it would already be over.” 

ImpactHub, based in Dallas, has rapidly grown since its inception last year, establishing itself as a bridge between American Muslims and the political sphere. Their ultimate goal is to foster an environment where Muslim communities are seen, valued, and engaged in decision-making processes that shape the future. 

Mohammed Ayashi, an advisor and volunteer at ImpactHub, highlighted the significance of this work: “It’s important for the Muslim community to be civically and politically engaged to break out of the cycle of disengagement. We’ve spent too long watching and not doing.” 

Ayashi’s words echo a central theme within ImpactHub’s mission — a call to action that goes beyond observing from the sidelines. 

ImpactHub’s work centers on actively engaging American Muslims in the political process. With over 15 board members and a dedicated volunteer team, ImpactHub represents diverse communities, including Palestinian, Arab, African American and South Asian voices. 

Since its establishment, ImpactHub has organized over 50 impactful events designed to mobilize the Muslim community and promote civic participation. From city council resolutions to ceasefire protests, their activities underscore a commitment to creating meaningful change. 

Dr. Cathy Carver, a long-time member of the grassroots group, emphasized the importance of these events, stating, “The only way we can build this voice is if we come together.” 

This collective action is crucial, she believes, to prevent injustices faced by other communities from recurring within Muslim communities. 

ImpactHub’s impact is not limited to rallies and protests. Through its 501(c)(4) branch, ImpactAction, the organization has taken a hands-on approach to political advocacy, engaging directly with political candidates across the spectrum. 

From hosting candidate forums to organizing community-led candidate endorsement sessions, ImpactAction has created spaces where Muslim voters can connect with prospective leaders, including notable figures like recent Green Party presidential nominees, Dr. Jill Stein and Dr. Butch Ware. 

A particularly innovative aspect of ImpactHub’s approach is the development of a proprietary app designed to monitor voter registration and turnout among Muslims in various cities. 

This app not only allows the organization to track political engagement but also enables it to reach out to community members who may need assistance or encouragement to vote. 

In addition, the organization has run block-walking campaigns and set up poll stations with Muslim volunteers to make the voting process as accessible and welcoming as possible for their community. 

Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Impact 

Although ImpactHub has achieved significant progress, the road to widespread political engagement is challenging, not least when the mainstream parties do not reflect your values and interests. Dr. Carver expressed the frustrations shared by many minority communities, especially feelings of helplessness and distrust in the political system. 

“I understand you, I feel your pain,” she says to those hesitant about voting. Her advice to them? Vote despite their disillusionment because it remains the most accessible and effective tool for change. 

This commitment to political empowerment also means recognizing and addressing structural obstacles. ImpactHub is actively building relationships with elected officials and ensuring fair representation within local city councils as part of its future goals. 

Their advocacy extends to promoting equal access to city contracts, enhancing economic opportunities for American Muslims and ensuring the community is considered for influential city-nominated positions. 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders 

One of ImpactHub’s core values is inspiring young people to take up leadership roles in their communities. 

Nour Zeidan, a Palestinian activist associated with ImpactHub, underscores the importance of representation: “The main focus of our work is to get people to come out and vote, to make them realize their voices matter.” 

For Zeidan, voting is not just about choosing candidates; it’s about giving Muslim communities a foothold in decision-making processes that affect them. Through events and campaigns, ImpactHub is cultivating a new generation of Muslim leaders equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resilience to engage in politics. 

Ayashi noted that many community members feel disheartened when faced with the enormity of societal issues. However, he stresses that real change happens incrementally: “If each person moves one little pebble, the whole thing moves faster.” 

Looking Forward: Continued Growth and Strategic Goals 

Moving forward, ImpactHub is focusing on strategic initiatives to expand its influence and continue its mission. Fundraising is a critical component of their plans, enabling the organization to expand voter education programs, engage in more Get Out The Vote (GOTV) initiatives, and advocate for policies that support American Muslims. 

Organizers say their recent fundraiser exceeded expectations, highlighting strong community support behind their mission. In addition to traditional engagement strategies, ImpactHub’s commitment to leveraging technology sets it apart. 

The organization aims to bring even more Muslims into the political fold by continuing to develop its voter-tracking app and enhance digital outreach. 

Ayashi is optimistic about the future, noting that while real change takes time, the steps taken today are laying a strong foundation for future generations.

“We may not see all the changes we want right away, but we’re opening the door for our children and their children,” he said.