I have posted earlier about the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and all of the great work is done. I am lucky enough to say that I am now a (small) part of that work! I recently began working a few hours a week with the ADC Michigan office in Dearborn. I am managing different cases that were already active, and taking in new complaints to determine how to move forward. The ADC takes complaints from people about ways they were discriminated against in any form or fashion. We get information about the incident(s) and identify what, if anything, we can do. This position is not a legal one for me, but my ability to spot a legal issue can help us make referrals to attorneys who may be able to help. Sometimes, there could be a legal problem that is being dealt with, but also a civil rights issue that we address at the same time.
I am very excited about the work I am doing. The ADC not only helps address the individual issue of discrimination with one person, it has the ability to bring a voice to the issue overall and bring about change on a greater level. It is so important for people to have an avenue to walk down and a place to go when they believe they have been mistreated. ADC is that place for so many people in Southeast Michigan and around the country. The techniques used and the relationships built through this process help to break down barriers, both individually and culturally, so that, hopefully, the issue before us can be prevented in the future.
I am slowly working down my own path to learning Arabic, a major disadvantage for me as most people who come into our office are bilingual. I know this opportunity will allow me to grow personally and professionally. In the end, I am glad to know that I am helping this wonderful organization to truly help people in my community and I can’t wait to see what happens next! To learn more about the ADC, visit their website at www.adcmichigan.org
