As I scroll through my social media feed, absorbing the latest headlines while the news plays in the background, it’s hard to avoid feeling overwhelmed. The weight of the current political climate often leaves me teetering between being an informed citizen and wanting to retreat under a blanket, consumed by frustration and despair. It’s been an arduous time, and the troubling state of our nation has pushed many of us to the brink, prompting more expletives and a stronger urge to hide away.
So, what can we do? How can we make a difference amidst the chaos?
The answer lies in using our voices. We must stand up and be heard. Yet, resistance can feel like a daunting task—especially when decisions made by those in power seem to disregard the needs of the people. It’s easy to question whether our voices make a difference. That’s why it’s vital to unite and amplify our efforts.
On a chilly January morning, Aisha Khan and her family walked into the Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist (CCUU) in suburban Chicago, eager to connect with others who shared their desire for change. I first encountered Aisha a few months back at an Open Mosque event, where our families began to bond. Although this was her first visit to our church, her children were excited to partake in the planned activity of writing postcards to legislators. All the materials were provided—postcards, stamps, pens, and addresses—what was needed was the courage to speak up.
“For me, it was about more than just politics,” Aisha shared. “Attending CCUU that day was significant as a Muslim American. I wanted my children to see that their voices matter in this country. They can express their thoughts through writing or calling. I wanted them to know that there are allies out there who may look different, but share the same passions.”
For over an hour, individuals from various faith backgrounds gathered to express their opinions through letters to their elected officials. Aisha conveyed her concerns regarding health care, immigration, and public education, particularly for those with special needs. Even the youngest participants contributed, with Aisha’s 8-year-old daughter, Sara, penning, “I’m scared about what the president will do. Can you help us?” while her 6-year-old daughter, Layla, voiced her worries about the situation in Syria. Aisha was taken aback by the depth of her children’s thoughts.
“I remember writing to President Bush Sr. about banning homework when I was in school,” Aisha reflected. “My kids face a completely different reality. I often wonder what they think and feel.”
I share that concern. Sometimes it feels as if calls and letters vanish into oblivion, unnoticed amidst the noise of politics. The daunting voices of those who seem indifferent can make it feel like our efforts are futile. But we persist. We continue to call, write, march, and resist—not just for our elected officials to hear us, but to remind ourselves and our children that we have a voice.
And, as it turns out, people are listening. Those postcards written by Aisha’s daughters were received and read by Illinois Senator Mark Thompson—not just in his office, but at a recent event held by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in Chicago. When word spread that he acknowledged her daughters’ messages, Aisha and her children were filled with surprise and excitement.
“Did we make history?” her daughters asked. Aisha pondered for a moment before replying, “Perhaps we did. I think it’s the first time a U.S. senator has quoted girls named Sara and Layla.”
“Writing to your local legislators DOES make a difference,” Aisha expressed on her social media. “This is proof that your voice matters, no matter how small.”
The response from Senator Thompson inspired not only Aisha but also her friends and community members. Many often assume that their letters and calls go unnoticed, or that their votes don’t count. However, this event demonstrated otherwise, highlighting that our voices carry weight and that people are indeed listening.
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In summary, the heartfelt postcards from Aisha’s children serve as a powerful reminder that every voice counts in the fight for justice and equality. It’s crucial for us to continue speaking out, for ourselves and for future generations.