Everything else aside, 2016 was a mean year. From politics to pop culture to the daily news, it was a year in which meanness, nastiness, fear, anger and mistrust all seemed to dominate, and kindness, empathy, inclusiveness and love were shoved under the rug.

What can we do to make tomorrow different?

There’s a movement that’s beginning to emerge: groups and organizations across the country are encouraging people to take small steps, every day, to be a little kinder and a little more inclusive. Rather than trying to change the whole world overnight, the idea is to promote kindness and empathy through small, everyday acts – things that anyone can do, without a lot of commitment, to make the world a slightly better place.

One example: the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association is a national organization – part of the larger Ahmadiyya Muslim community – with more than 3,000 members in 70 chapters (including one in the Triangle). Over the holidays, AMYA members gave out Christmas and Hanukkah gifts to neighbors in their respective communities – more than 4,000 presents in all. Organizers say their goal is to bridge the divide between faith communities – a divide that so often breeds mistrust – and to celebrate each other’s common humanity.

WCHL’s Aaron Keck spoke with Imtiaz Sayed, AMYA’s youth and community outreach leader in the Triangle.

 

That commitment to bridging the divide extends beyond giving out holiday presents. Earlier this month, AMYA president Dr. Bilal Rana called on Muslim youths to “(be) prepared to stand guard for the safety of churches and synagogues” in the face of terrorist organizations who want to drive people apart.