Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to lead in coalition. As someone who has spent years organizing within Muslim communities across Georgia, I’ve seen firsthand the power that comes from working together. I’ve also seen how complex it can be. But above all, I’ve come to believe this: our collective liberation depends on our ability to build strong, intentional relationships with one another.

At GAMVP, coalition work is not just something we participate in; it is foundational to how we show up. Whether we are advocating at the State Capitol, educating voters, or responding to urgent needs in our communities, we must understand that we are part of a larger ecosystem. No one organization can meet every need, and no single approach can capture the full complexity of our communities' lives.

Muslims in Georgia are beautifully diverse. We represent many races, ethnicities, languages, immigration journeys, and socioeconomic backgrounds. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths. It also means that collaboration requires intention. We may approach our work differently, but when we take the time to truly listen to one another and honor those differences, we become more powerful together.

Coalition building is about more than partnership. It is about trust, compassion, and humility. It means recognizing that each organization is carrying its own set of challenges, histories, and capacities. It means choosing understanding over assumption, and holding collective care at the center of our movement, knowing that mutual support is what sustains us. It means making room for grace.

In moments of crisis and in times of growth, we need one another. We need to speak openly, uplift each other’s work, and create space for honest dialogue. When we come together with shared values and a commitment to our collective well-being, we are better equipped to serve our communities with integrity and care.

To the many Muslim-led organizations doing powerful, often unseen work across Georgia, I want to say: we see you, we honor your efforts, and we are grateful to walk alongside you. This work is not easy, but when we move together, grounded in purpose and principle, we build something lasting.

Coalition work is not just a strategy. It is a practice of love, rooted in the belief that we all deserve to live with dignity, safety, and power.

And that is something worth fighting for—together.

Sincerely,

Shafina