About Us

 

Virginia Muslim Political Action Committee (VMPAC) is a registered non-partisan Political Action Committee of Muslim Americans living in the state of Virginia. VMPAC was formed in May 2005 as a coalition of several politically active PAC's. It's goal is to educate and engage the Muslim community to participate in the political process of the Commonwealth through mobilization of votes and funds for issues which are important to the community and candidates who support those issues.

 Objectives of VMPAC

The purpose of VMPAC shall be to:

1. Directly engage political office holders and candidates to work for preservation of due rights and liberties of Muslims in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

2. Boost political participation and civil empowerment of Muslims in their local communities.

3. Promote social justice for all people in the Commonwealth as granted by the Constitution and Bill of Rights of the United States and the Commonwealth.

Structure & Scope

VMPAC shall operate as a Virginian State PAC, subject to laws set forth by the Virginia State Board of Elections and shall not exceed the scope of a Virginian State PAC.

VMPAC shall, in accordance with laws applicable to a Virginian State PAC, make contributions to and/or expenditures on behalf of candidates for federal, state and local offices; shall sponsor educational and training programs for candidates and community activists in campaign related skills; and shall develop and implement other programs designed to encourage candidates for public office to address public issues pertinent to the Muslim community.
VMPAC shall be organized as a non-membership and not-for-profit – but not tax-deductible – organization to preserve its right to lobby for just causes. Therefore, donations to VMPAC will not be tax-deductible.

Achievements

VMPAC has been a catalyst for positive change in Virginian politics.  Its achievements within a short few years have had an immediate and a long term effect on how well lawful rights and privileges of Muslim Americans are protected in Virginia.  Here is a short list of those achievements:

  • Had the first Muslim appointment to a Governor’s Transition Team in Virginia after the election of Governor Kaine.

  • Passed the first Halal Bill in Virginia.

  • Prevented (with other civic partners) passing of legislations which would
    allow the state and/or local police to
    check immigration status.

  • Prevented passing of dozens of bills
    and ordinances which would directly impact the Muslim community by infringing on civil liberties, including drivers license tests only in English, discriminatory housing ordinances, restricted prayers in school, etc.