The Council on American-Islamic Relations also known as CAIR, is a nonprofit advocacy group that has been providing a range of services since 1994. Its civil right department counsels, mediates and advocates on behalf of the Muslims and provides services to protect and defend the constitutional rights of the community. It provides training programs for the Muslim community and activists in areas, such as media relations, public speaking, lobbying and civil rights. CAIR s communications department works in partnership with local and national media groups to ensure that an accurate portrayal of Islam and the Muslim community is presented to the public. Additionally, the advocacy group offers a variety of publications on issues related to the needs and rights of the community. CAIR also publishes practical handbooks and resource materials for the Muslim community. It is located in Washington, D.C.