Our mission is to be the unifying federation of Islamic organizations of greater Chicagoland, the leading advocate of Muslim community interests and a catalyst for enriching American society.
CIOGC helps Muslim youth become better Muslims and American citizens by offering opportunities to build leadership skills, become civically engaged, and be recognized for their academic achievements. The Council supports youth initiatives including:
Each year, CIOGC invites students to become Senate Pages to shadow state senators in Springfield during its annual Illinois Muslim Action Day. By shadowing state senators for a day, CIOGC Senate Pages participate in the lawmaking and the legislative process first-hand.
CIOGC is excited to offer 15 Senate Page opportunities for young Muslims from the Chicago area! This is an incredible chance for anyone interested in learning more about legislative processes in Illinois.
What is a Senate Page?
CIOGC Senate Pages are matched with a state senator and get to shadow them for the day on Illinois Muslim Action Day (IMAD). By shadowing state senators, Senate Pages have the opportunity to participate in lawmaking and the legislative process first-hand.
What does the application process look like?
What is the criteria to apply to be a Senate Page?
Senate Page Testimonials
Isa Ranjha, Islamic Foundation School
“Being able to work in the shadow of a real senator was eye opening as to how the whole process works in Springfield of suggesting, debating, and finally passing a bill.”
Julia Asfour, Universal School
“Becoming a Senate Page was a very insightful opportunity. Due to their affable behavior, I was able to converse with various senators about dire controversial issues. One particular senator noticed my hijab and began speaking with me in Arabic.”
Noor Alyousef, Islamic Foundation School
“It was a great opportunity to experience what it is really like to be a state senator and understand their duties as they play one of the most important roles in meeting our communities’ needs, especially as Muslims.”
Nabeel Ghani, Islamic Foundation School
“CIOGC Senate Page program is a very important one. No other Mosques or Islamic Centers can organize such as this program.”
The Council offers a unique and collaborative environment for college students who seek to develop their professional work experience in advocating for the interests of the diverse and growing Chicagoland Muslim community. Through meaningful, experience-based learning, CIOGC interns enhance as well as acquire new skills that contribute to their academic and professional growth.
Through meaningful, experience-based learning, CIOGC interns will not only enhance current skills, but they will also acquire new skills that contribute to their academic and professional growth. Our interns advance their knowledge and skills by working closely with local and state government, getting published (online and in print), fostering the healthy growth of the Chicagoland Muslim community, and making invaluable connections with our partners of other-faith based communities through great networking events.
Our internship program runs throughout the year and is divided into four sessions to coincide with college and university schedules: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. We are currently seeking interns and volunteers for our Winter and Spring, however, CIOGC accepts applications for interns and volunteers year-round.
If you are a college student who is seeking an internship to earn credits, CIOGC is capable of developing a customized internship program that works with your schedule. If you have any questions about internships or volunteering, please contact communications@ciogc.org.
Application Requirements
To apply for an intern position: Please send a cover letter and resume to communciations@ciogc.org with the title of the intern or volunteer position you’re applying for in the subject line. Please also include a writing sample, as well as work samples that are relevant to the position, and/or a link to your portfolio.
To apply for a volunteer position: To apply for a volunteer position, please send a cover letter and resume to communications@ciogc.org with the title of the event you would like to volunteer for in the subject line.
Last year CIOGC sponsored scholarships to the MCC summer camp. Those youth selected found the experience engaging and fun. CIOGC has joined with Muslim Youth of North American (MYNA), to provide a community-wide network of youth-sponsored and youth-led activities. The kickoff of this collaborative work was held in September 2021 where youth from across the Chicago area participated. Expansion of the camping experience and monthly youth activities are to be offered through this joint youth program.
The Council Of Islamic Organizations OF Greater Chicago is an independent, nonpartisan organization.