In 2002, AMYNA emerged as the first networking platform for young Muslim activists in North America.  As part of it’s original mission, AMYNA’s founders hoped that this organization would serve to connect and empower Muslim youth through resource sharing, online communication and yearly conferences.  The inspiration of this idea was a result of communication between leaders from different communities, and the forming of strong bonds based on youth activism and a collective spirit to improve the state of our larger community.    

AMYNA continued to mature as new young professionals infused their ideas and energy to strengthen its initiatives.  In 2005, AMYNA held its first conference in St. Louis, where youth activists from the U.S. and Canada convened to network and become inspired.   

In 2006 AMYNA restructured, bringing in new leaders, and redefined its mission and vision as an organization.  As a result AMYNA refocused its direction, and developed a new mission along with an “essence”; the principles that fueled the engine of our work.  In addition to providing a networking platform, AMYNA took on a new role: to advocate for stronger, more responsible, grassroots activism among our youth communities. 

In 2007, as a part of our new responsibility of being an advocacy organization to transform the face of our communities, AMYNA released its first campaign, “RISE”–to strengthen leadership among young Muslims thereby affecting positive change in society.  RISE held its first leadership retreat at Camp Taha in Columbiaville, Michigan, were youth activists once again convened to reinforce their leadership skills and become more holistic, well-trained leaders.