May 6, 2017
In a world where the news often feels overwhelming, it can be easy to lose hope. I find myself scrolling through social media, absorbing the latest headlines, all while trying to maintain my sanity amidst a torrent of emotions—anger, despair, and a desire to make a difference. It’s a challenge to remain informed without feeling like I’m about to crumble under the weight of it all.
But what can we do in the face of such adversity? The answer lies in raising our voices. We must stand up, be heard, and resist.
Yet, resistance can feel like an uphill battle, especially when it seems our individual voices are drowned out by louder, more powerful forces. That’s where the strength of community comes into play.
On a chilly January morning, Sarah Thompson and her family stepped into Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist (CCUU) in suburban Chicago, seeking to unite with others in a collective stand against injustice. I first met Sarah a few months prior during an Open Mosque event, and our families have since formed a bond. Though it was their first visit to CCUU, her children were eager to join an initiative where they could express themselves through postcards addressed to legislators.
“For me, this was about more than just politics,” Sarah shared. “Bringing my family to CCUU was essential as a Muslim American. I wanted my children to understand that their voices matter in our country. They can take action, whether by writing or calling, and I wanted them to see that there are allies who may look different but share the same values we hold dear.”
For about an hour, a diverse group of individuals—friends and strangers alike—came together to articulate their concerns to their lawmakers. Sarah penned letters to Illinois senators, addressing issues like healthcare, immigration, and education, particularly for those with special needs. Even the youngest participants made their voices heard; Sarah’s 8-year-old daughter, Aisha, wrote, “I’m worried about what the President is going to do, can you please watch out for us?” Her 6-year-old daughter, Layla, expressed her concerns for children in Syria. The depth of their sentiments astonished even Sarah.
“I remember writing to President Bush Sr. in grade school, asking him to ban homework,” Sarah reflected. “The world my children are growing up in is so different from mine, and I often wonder what thoughts and feelings they grapple with.”
Like Sarah, I sometimes feel as though our calls and letters vanish into the ether, never reaching the ears of those who could effect change. It’s easy to believe that our voices are too small to make an impact against the relentless tide of negativity. But we must persist. We keep calling, writing, and standing up—not just for our elected officials to hear us, but also for ourselves and our children to recognize that we all have a voice that matters.
And as it turns out, people are indeed listening. The postcards written by Sarah’s children were read aloud by Illinois Senator Mark Robinson at a recent event hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in Chicago. When Sarah and her daughters learned that their messages had resonated with a U.S. senator, they were both surprised and elated.
“Did we make history?” her daughters asked with wide eyes. After a moment of thought, Sarah replied, “Maybe you did. I’m fairly certain this is the first time a U.S. senator has quoted two girls named Aisha and Layla.”
“Writing to your local legislators DOES make a difference,” Sarah emphasized in a Facebook post. “This is proof… You’re never too small to have your voice heard.” The excitement felt by her family not only uplifted them but also motivated friends and community members.
“Many believe their letters won’t be read or that their votes don’t matter, but this experience has shown us that’s not true,” she noted. “Your voice is significant, and people are listening.”
In conclusion, Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of speaking out. It reminds us that change is possible when we unite our voices, no matter how small they may seem.
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Keyphrase: Voices of Resistance
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