WASHINGTON — A delegation of American Muslim leaders from areas including Metro Detroit visited with the American Federation of Teachers this past week in an effort to build a coalition with the national group.

The trip was paid for by the AFT according to Victor Ghalib Begg, the senior adviser and chairman emeritus for the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan, who was among the attendees. It was set up by radio host and advocate Imam Malik Mujahid as well. The group met with AFT President Randi Weingarten for what were called productive discussions. They agreed that it is critical for Muslim communities to engage with the labor movement and also to help provide an understanding of Islam to their members and officials. Begg also said that the AFT is willing to hire a Muslim rep. in their their community relations department.

“We live in a union town and we need to be involved with the unions,” Begg said. “As Muslims we have to become more involved in helping the community become more mainstream in all aspects of American life, so that’s our goal.”

The organization has over a million members, and decided to bring the CIOM group back again next week. It has also hired a worker in Michigan to conduct outreach to interfaith communities.

Begg said he’d like to see Muslims (and Arab Americans) work to build more coalitions.

“We should promote the notion of pluralism and opportunities for all, and dignity for everyone,” he said. “Our job is to help focus here and engage the larger community, as much as helping our own.”