Everything Under The Sun: Well-Known Activist and Every Day Acts

Malala, on stage and presenting, proves that even a bullet can't stop her.

Promoting compassion - it's something that is much needed throughout the world. The COMPASSIONATE ACTION NETWORK (CAN), located in the Pacific Northwest, is doing just that through public gatherings, research, and organizational support.

On Sunday, July 24, CAN hosted Malala in Seattle, providing a forum for an audience to hear her words. As most of us know, Malala Yousef, originally a resident of Pakistan, has championed education for girls, since she was quite young. When she was 15 years old, she was targeted and shot by the Taliban, leaving her with severe injuries, for speaking out for her beliefs. She was evacuated to Britain, where she has continued her activism, utilizing peaceful protest. She became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17, for her work.

Lori Matsukawa from KING 5 news hosted the evening. Ten percent of the ticket price was donated to the MALALA FUND and its mission to provide free education for girls around the world through the 12th grade level. In her speech, Malala spoke about the continued work of the Malala Fund and her battle to ensure that all girls receive an education. In accord with the mission of CAN, she spoke of compassion and working together to develop a world united by its compassion.

Malala's father, Zaiuddin remained on the sidelines backstage, providing emotional support to his daughter. He says, about his relationship with Malala, "Malala used to be known as my daughter, but now I'm known as her father."

CAN has received a note from Leena Al-Arian, who had this encounter at a Barnes and Noble bookstore. She and her two daughters were waiting on line to meet the Paw Patrol characters, who were appearing that day when a man came up and complimented her on her young daughters' beauty.
He apologized for the anti-Muslim sentiment so abundant in the US and expressed concern for the daughters growing up in such a world. He likened it to the experience of his people of Jewish background, who had been rejected and discriminated against. He asked for permission to hug and then did so when permission was granted. He continued to note that most Americans are decent people, who don't hate people who come from a Muslim background. He was turning 90 and he insisted on buying gifts for her daughters to remember him by. Even though all she wanted was a photo to remember the meeting, he still bought the gifts, too.

Then Ms. Al-Arian recounted how she shared this happening with her friend and that it was something like those Facebook posts about random acts of kindness, only this one had the added note of being more like chicken soup for the anti-racist soul.

Zaiuddin Yousef listening to Malala on the sidelines.

Let's keep being kind, like this gentleman, to those who aren't like us. Our country is made up of people from many different backgrounds, all blended together in this one great nation. Let's make sure that we continue to keep this legacy. And how we do it is one act at a time.