Common Ground Awardees are Bridging the Divide

If you haven’t gotten a chance to see it yet check out USA Network and NBC News Special Correspondent Tom Brokaw’s Characters Unite Special. Tom Brokaw Presents Bridging the Divide looks at the current state of the nation on important issues such as race, religion, gender, sexuality, disabilities and bullying.  The nation’s demographic changes, current economy, and the 24-hour news cycle are all considered in this documentary.  Brokaw features both respected experts and ordinary citizens doing extraordinary work in our nations’ communities.  Two of those featured are Eboo Patel and Luma Mufleh, who received Common Ground Awards in 2010 and 2009 respectively.

Named one of America’s Best Leaders of 2009 by US News & World Report, Eboo Patel is the founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC).  Patel promotes interfaith cooperation around the world, bringing young leaders of different faiths together to serve their communities.  IFYC is on college campuses across the nation, answering the call for a cooperative youth movement.

Luma Mufleh uses sport to bring youth together from war-torn countries.  Mufleh created the boys’ soccer team, the Fugees, short for refugees.  Coach Mufleh has made advocacy for refugees her life’s mission, initially tutoring English after school, she now operates a private nonprofit school called the Fugee Family Academy to help young refugees acquire the social and academic skills necessary to succeed.

Watch these and other stories of inspiration here.