iACT Blog

To Those Who Lead Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) is an organization rooted in the belief that peace is possible when we choose respect, understanding, and compassion for one another. Through interfaith dialogue, service, and celebration, we work every day to cultivate communities where people of all backgrounds and beliefs feel seen, valued, and… Read more: Doing Good Together: iACT Board of Directors

Oneness Is Not an Ideal—It Is Our Responsibility  We Baha’is believe that the most important task before us is bringing about the oneness of humankind. And perhaps there has never been a time in our history when this principle —this idea — is more critical.  I’ll tell you honestly, I got to a point where I felt depressed. I stopped watching the news. Because every… Read more: Doing Good Together: Ajit Giani

Growing Up Technically and legally, you are considered an adult at age 18 in the US. But we all know that a button is not pushed on our 18th birthdays to make us instant adults.  I’ve been a legal adult for over 50 years now and I am a different adult today than I was right after I turned… Read more: Doing Good Together: Lubna Zeidan

My name is Sadaf Mudares, and I am deeply honored to stand before you today. My journey to this moment has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Four years ago, my family and I moved to the United States from Afghanistan, a country where women are often deprived of their basic rights and education. Despite the… Read more: iACT for Refugees: Sadaf Mudares

Mrs. Delores Nash is one of our incredible homeowners in the Hands on Housing program! She has the voice of an angel and sings with her church choir every Sunday. She has recently had to move from using a walker to using a motorized wheelchair full-time. Hands on Housing is blessed to work with her… Read more: Hands on Housing: Delores Nash

How long have you been in Austin?I’ve been in Austin since I was nine months old. How long have you volunteered with iACT?I have volunteered with iACT since I was in 8th grade in 2023. What made you want to volunteer with iACT?Our school does a service project every winter for all the 8th graders, where we… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Roshan Vije

Michael Whellan brings decades of legal expertise and community leadership to iACT’s Board of Directors. A partner at Armbrust & Brown, Michael specializes in real estate, land use, and litigation, helping clients navigate complex legal and governmental processes throughout Central Texas.   Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael has a long history of service with organizations… Read more: Board Spotlight: Michael Whellan

Where are you from? I am from San Antonio, Texas. How long have you been in Austin? I’ve been living in Austin since 2017, so almost 10 years! What do you do at iACT? I am the Communications Coordinator at iACT. What’s the most challenging thing about the work you do at iACT? The most… Read more: Staff Spotlight: Andres Garcia

Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) is an organization rooted in the belief that peace is possible when we choose respect, understanding, and compassion for one another. Through interfaith dialogue, service, and celebration, we work every day to cultivate communities where people of all backgrounds and beliefs feel seen, valued, and connected. We believe in… Read more: A Message from Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) to Those Who Hold Public Office

Our hearts are deeply saddened by the devastating news from San Diego. We mourn with you in the wake of this horrific violence at the Islamic Center of San Diego and the increasing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred leading to fear that so many in your community continue to endure.  There is something especially heartbreaking when… Read more: A Message from Interfaith Action of Central Texas to Our Muslim Community

My Kingdom is Not of This World By Rev. Jennifer Cumberbatch A few weekends ago, “No Kings” marches took place all over the country. Presidents are not kings. was the message. Americans are often fascinated by royalty, captivated by the pomp and splendor. Yet, Americans also fancy voting for their leaders.   I have been rereading the book of… Read more: Doing Good Together: Rev. Jennifer Cumberbatch

I Am Enough, You Are Enough By Rev. Don Brewington Life is to be lived. That’s a true statement—and at the same time, when one makes this statement, it is important to realize that it encompasses all that comes with living. Life holds joys, sorrows, and surprises (both good and not so good), and it is always… Read more: Doing Good Together: Rev. Don Brewington

Sara Hickman is a longtime Austin-based musician, educator, and advocate whose career has been rooted in creativity and community impact. Named the Official Texas State Musician in 2010, she has been recording, performing, and touring since 1988, with more than 20 albums and a Grammy nomination to her name. Beyond her work in music, Sara… Read more: Board Spotlight: Sara Hickman

Q: How long have you been in Austin?Since 2001. Q: How long have you volunteered with iACT?4 years. Q: What inspired you to volunteer with iACT?AAFAME—I was asked to lead the group to help iACT. Q: What do you enjoy most about your experience with iACT?The people we help. Seeing their appreciation and joy when… Read more: Volunteer Spotlight: Omar Heras

Mrs. Mary Riojas is standing in front of the wall of art her grandchildren have created for her. She lives in her North Austin home covered in memories of her family. Her father, John Trevino, was the first Mexican-American to serve on the city council of Austin. Ms. Mary cared for him and her mother… Read more: Hands on Housing: Mary Riojas