On November 14 our Healers of Tomorrow explored concepts in tech and medicine.  We first flexed our brains by building functioning cranes out of nothing but a cardboard box, string, and tape.  This was a real challenge but as a team, we were successful!  Then we learned about how technology impacts many aspects of medicine, including cutting edge developments in creating prosthetic limbs and artificial hearts.  For each of these technologies we asked ourselves-- what materials would you need?  What do you care about in creating this tool? And once you make it, how do you know it's working?   Next time you read about a new device in health, ask yourself these questions and you may be surprised by the answers :)

Thank you to Mr. and Dr. Barnes for leading our awesome class this week!  We loved having you.

In Peace and Health,
Dr. Malik

On November 7 our Healers of Tomorrow visited the Columbia City PCC for a Cook's Class!  As one of our Healers mentioned today, food isn't just important for our health because of nutrition but because of the way cooking brings us together.  It's a special experience to be together with friends or family to make and share a meal.  Scroll through our photos and you'll feel like you were there with us :)

Feeling inspired? Make a goal this week to have color on your plate and to learn a new skill in the kitchen.  If you're feeling nervous, try a cooking class!  It's empowering to feed yourself and to know what is going on your plate.  As we say in my family "home grown is best." 

Thank you so much to Chef Ami, her volunteers, and PCC for hosting us.  
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In Peace and Health,
​Dr. Malik

On October 24 our Healers of Tomorrow met to discuss Advocacy.  Advocacy is something we talk about alot, but what exactly is it?  We had some awesome guest speakers help us discuss the finer points of this topic.  My favorite way to think about advocacy is the term "indirect service."  To better understand the steps it takes to achieve indirect service, Brother Samir Junejo from Seattle University School of Law helped us walk through the example of how NYC public schools approved Eid as a school holiday.  The folks who made this happen had a strategy, built a coalition of partners, did the work and planning needed to design their proposed change, and didn't give up!

Of course, advocacy does not only exist through creating laws.  Art is a form of advocacy too!  Poetry, music, films, and photography are powerful ways to convey messages and influence change.  Brother Jamil Suleman shared how he does this everyday in his life as an artist.  One of the best examples of this is his piece "Jay's Last Words" which tells a powerful story about children affected by HIV/AIDs that he worked with in South Africa.  This piece was a great reminder to me of why, even in the face of seemingly impossible situations and despair, we have to keep working for what's right and what's beautiful.  Here's an excerpt:

"imagine how it is to be somebody like me,
that’s why I fight for the Movement, so other people can be free,

Now I know what you’re thinking, why should I waste my time,
when there’s very little left in my physical life,
but the way that I see it, I have a reason to fight,
cuz I know what it is to be in the dark without the light"

Thank you to all our volunteers and our Healers!  I'm so excited for our next meeting-- we have an awesome field trip coming up next!

In Peace and Health,
​Dr. Malik