In our current political climate, it can be challenging to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. The daily news cycle often leaves many of us grappling with anger and frustration. Finding ways to cope while still standing up for what we believe in can feel daunting. But it is essential to remember that our voices matter, and collective action can create change.
One inspiring example of this occurred when Sarah Khan and her family entered the Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist (CCUU) in a Chicago suburb on a chilly January morning, hoping to connect with others who share their desire to resist and advocate for their rights. I met Sarah a few months prior during an Open Mosque event, and our families have since formed a friendship. When she learned about an opportunity to write postcards to legislators, she was eager for her children to participate.
“This experience was about more than just politics,” Sarah explained. “As a Muslim American, it was crucial for my kids to understand that their voices hold weight in our country. I wanted them to see that they could speak up and that there are allies who may look different but share similar values.”
For about an hour, families from various faith backgrounds gathered to express their concerns to elected officials. Sarah wrote to Illinois senators about pressing issues like health care, immigration, and public education, particularly for individuals with special needs. Even young children joined in, penning their thoughts on postcards. Sarah’s daughter, Aisha, wrote, “I’m worried about what the president will do, can you please help us?” while her other daughter, Layla, expressed her empathy for those affected by war in Syria. Sarah was amazed by the depth of her children’s concerns.
“I remember writing to President Bush when I was in elementary school, asking him to ban homework,” Sarah shared. “My children’s reality is so different from mine at their age. I often wonder what they are thinking and feeling in this climate.”
Despite the uncertainty that our voices may sometimes feel small, we persist in making our voices heard. We call, we write, we march — not just for ourselves, but to show our children that they too can speak out.
The impact of these postcards became evident when Illinois Senator Mark Thompson read them aloud at an event hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in Chicago. The news that her daughters’ letters were acknowledged by a U.S. senator thrilled Sarah and her children, prompting them to wonder if they had “made history.” Sarah reflected on the significance, saying, “I’m pretty sure this is the first time a U.S. senator has quoted two girls named Aisha and Layla.”
This experience serves as a powerful reminder that writing to local legislators can indeed make a difference. “You’re never too young to have your voice heard,” Sarah emphasized in a Facebook post.
The event also inspired others within her community, challenging the notion that letters and phone calls go unnoticed. “This has shown us that our voices matter and that people are listening,” she said.
In conclusion, the stories of Sarah’s family remind us that every voice counts, especially in times of uncertainty. By coming together and speaking out, we can ensure that our concerns are acknowledged and that we empower the next generation to continue the fight for justice. For more information on navigating home insemination methods, you can explore resources like Make a Mom or the Cleveland Clinic.