Human beings, no matter their faith, have gifts to put into action to create change. 

The American Muslim community has recently experienced a heightened sense of concern. While thoughts and prayers are nice, action is needed. That is why I called my colleague and friend Dina Eletreby, who is the principal at New Horizon Elementary School, which provides Muslim-based education. After a warm embrace, coffee and shared concerns, we grabbed our calendars and scheduled a Team Kids Challenge. 

Our team is excited to return to New Horizon Elementary School and empower the children in our local Muslim community alongside our partners from Irvine Police Department and Orange County Fire Authority. Not just because the beautiful students at New Horizons need to know how much our community values them, but mostly because they have so much to give back as compassionate leaders. The students will be accepting the challenge to address literacy, hunger and animal welfare.  Dina remarked, “By working together to do good, Team Kids and the students of New Horizon provide a model for healing and for renewing our hope in the future.”

We can all find opportunities to replace fear and hate with security and love. If you know someone in a group being marginalized, reach out to let them know they matter and that you care about them. Our community is built on mutual respect and admiration for our cultural differences. Now more than ever, I hope the students from New Horizon and everywhere feel love and appreciation. Human beings, no matter their faith, have gifts to put into action to create change.