BRIDGE-BUILDING AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

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kmaherali
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Ismaili CIVIC supports masks distribution in Singapore

Far East Ismaili CIVIC is privileged to be part of the #MasksforallSG drive that has contributed more than half a million masks to more than 71,000 beneficiaries across Singapore. This would not have been possible without the various partners that have contributed in numerous ways to create educational reach and impact through active civic participation.

Thank you Masks For All SG and Contribute SG for allowing us to participate in this noble initiative.

Together, we are stronger than COVID-19!

https://the.ismaili/far-east/ismaili-ci ... -singapore
kmaherali
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Ismaili CIVIC supports Age UK

Following the launch of Ismaili CIVIC in the UK earlier this year, one of the earliest engagements was with Age UK, a long-term partner for the Ismaili community.

Age UK have historically supported the Ismaili community through their involvement with the Ismaili Senior’s Circle Clubs and with their work with the Aga Khan Social Welfare Board.

Age UK is the UK’s largest charity for older people, and they encourage engagement with all communities across the country; however, language barriers make this difficult for them to interact with BAME communities. Thankfully, Ismaili CIVIC was able to provide a full translation of the Age UK Coronavirus Information Guide from English to Gujarati – in a record timeframe, too!

Alison Ingram from Age UK said “Thanks to Ismaili CIVIC from Age UK for all your help and support during the Covid pandemic. The translation input you are offering will undoubtedly benefit many of our local Age UKs and many older people across the country. We are incredibly grateful to Ismaili CIVIC for providing skills and expertise that will make a real difference to Age UK and the older people we support”

Ismaili CIVIC previously donated a thousand face masks to Age UK’s regional headquarters, providing some of the frontline workers with the necessary PPE needed to continue supporting elderly and vulnerable communities across the country.

With all of their engagements, Ismaili CIVIC seeks to develop long-term partnerships with organisations to continue to support beyond the Covid pandemic. Ismaili CIVIC works with multiple organisations nationally including The Prince’s Trust and Faiths United. The work of Ismaili CIVIC also involves supporting local initiatives including food banks, soup kitchens and delivery of vital items to vulnerable individuals.

Ismaili CIVIC was launched in light of the Covid-19 pandemic to lend voluntary support to the communities in which we live. If you would like to assist with the Ismaili CIVIC Covid-19 response, please register as a volunteer, please complete the volunteer registration form by registering through your IIUK account at www.iiuk.org.

https://the.ismaili/uk/ismaili-civic-supports-age-uk-0

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Ismaili CIVIC supporting the Local Community in South London

Over the August Bank holiday weekend the South London Ismaili CIVIC team collected, organised and distributed over a thousand children’s items including clothes, toys, and books to vulnerable families in Croydon, South London.

The event, “Children All The Way” was organised in collaboration with the Croydon Voluntary Action Group (CVA) and Home-start. The event was attended by the Mayor of Croydon, Maddie Henson who was extremely impressed by the incredible generosity of the members of South London Jamatkhana, and the commitment and hard work of the volunteers.

The South London Ismaili CIVIC team worked tirelessly over the weekend to ensure the collection at CVA’s headquarters was a resounding success. They received over a hundred bags of items in good condition from members of the Jamat, which were then quarantined and sorted at the South London Youth Club before transporting to the venue.

Families were grateful for the items such as clothes, books and especially toys (the most popular section!). The team were humbled to see how families who relied on donations came in with their own bags of items to give back to the community. Recipients received clothing suitable for everyday use, for school and even college. The team were particularly moved by a gentleman who came in looking for something to wear for his job interview the following day, and from a small collection of men's items, they were luckily able to find him a perfectly fitting suit! His gratitude was beyond words, and the first hand impact of this incredible donation was felt by all involved.

Ismaili CIVIC is the global brand under which voluntary service is rendered by the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. Ismaili CIVIC's team from South London Jamatkhana has been actively involved in serving the local community since the outbreak of the pandemic.

https://the.ismaili/uk/ismaili-civic-su ... uth-london
kmaherali
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Vote2020 Special Message from National Council President Al-Karim Alidina - October 27, 2020

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-nWiRB8MiI

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Ismaili, Ahmadi Muslims push national voter registration efforts

Young progressive Ismailis from around the country participate in an Ismailis Rise Up digital training on electoral organizing. (Screenshot courtesy Ismailis Rise Up)

This year, the Muslim civic advocacy organization Emgage promised to turn out one million Muslim voters in the 2020 presidential elections.

To do that, its team has been feverishly building up a database of Muslim voters to target for phone banking and other get-out-the-vote initiatives. Much of that has been based on common Muslim last names: Ahmad, Bashir, Mohamed.

Their database saw a major jump over the summer when a group of young Ismaili activists handed them an additional 400 last names — including Bharwani, Mitha, Gohari — common among members of Shiite Islam’s second-largest branch.

Major voter mobilization efforts in American Muslim communities have long been characterized and led by Sunni institutions and figures. The majority of Muslims globally belong to such traditions; in the U.S., more than half of Muslims identify as Sunni.

But Emgage’s partnership with Ismailis Rise Up, a new grassroots political mobilization campaign launched by progressive Ismaili activists, produced information on thousands of new likely Muslim voters across six states that the groups could target for phone banking.

“They pick up the phone, introduce themselves, ask them if they’ve registered to vote,” said Senya Merchant, a law student who co-founded Ismailis Rise Up in late July. “A lot of this probably seems very elementary and basic, but it’s never happened before in our community, believe it or not, ever.”

As a majority of political organizing is moving online due to the pandemic, national campaigns have become more accessible for minority Muslim groups despite their fledgling political organizing infrastructure.

More...

https://thegroundtruthproject.org/ismai ... n-efforts/
kmaherali
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National Faith and Blue Weekend 2020: A Conversation about Building Safe, Strong, and Unified Communities

The Ismaili Council for the Southeastern USA participated in the 2020 National Faith and Blue Weekend, an initiative co-convened by Movement Forward, Inc. (a bridge-building, solutions-focused human and civil rights organization based in Atlanta), and the US Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services. The initiative is supported by nearly every major law enforcement organization across the United States.

The purpose of the initiative, which was launched this year, is based on the premise that communities are stronger and safer when residents and law enforcement connect on shared values, hopes, and dreams. These connections are built through hosting events across the United States with the objective of building mutual understanding and respect for “the other,” thereby benefiting the entire community.

Melody Maddox, Sheriff of Dekalb County in Georgia, hosted the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern USA in a virtual community forum. The event kicked off with Salima Jaffer, President of the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States, congratulating Sheriff Maddox on being the first female sheriff of Dekalb County.

“I’m honored for this partnership,” said Sheriff Maddox. “It’s amazing to me to see different cultures and learn from each other.” The event continued with Imtiyaz Isani, Mukhisaheb of Atlanta Headquarters Jamatkhana, sharing his gratitude for Sheriff Maddox’s presence and support to build bridges with communities. A shared ethic that emerged from the event was that of inclusiveness and service. “Anytime you need something, feel free to call and rely on the Ismaili volunteers,” said Mukhisaheb Isani.

Rozina Merchant, Chairperson of the Council’s Youth and Sports Board, provided the background of the Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering (I-CERV) organization and its impact on local communities.

A congenial moment in the virtual event was when Sheriff Maddox and the community safety lead, Rafiq Reimoo, connected on the importance of community safety. “We want to bridge peace for the betterment of all of us,” said Sheriff Maddox. She added, “We have to come together and understand each other to build a better quality of life for everyone in the community.”

Sheriff Maddox continued to share her vision for Dekalb County, one of the most populous counties in the state. “My vision is to be the model agency in the nation for justice reform,” she explained. “We appreciate each other for who we are. Not to be judged by the color of our skin or our religion, but by our character and our ability to be the citizens we know we are. I am here for you all,” she concluded.

This forum served its purpose of engaging and building trust and a relationship to discuss shared values, hopes, and dreams.

https://the.ismaili/usa/our-community/n ... rong-and-0
kmaherali
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Season’s Greetings - Ismaili CIVIC, South London

At the end of 2020, Ismaili CIVIC South London teamed up with local schools, Baitul Ilm, nurseries, churches and community groups to design and deliver more than 17,000 personalised Christmas cards.

Hand-drawn and electronic cards were sent to NHS front-line facilities staff including administrators, cleaners, catering, porters, and medical staff at St George’s Hospital, East Surrey Hospital and Croydon University Hospital.

This recognised the often-overlooked non-medical staff without whom the hospitals couldn't continue their life-saving work during the pandemic.

“Our focus is particularly on the unsung heroes of the NHS and hope we managed to bring a smile to their faces. It’s been great to join with members of the local community and offer a special way of saying a Massive Thank You!” Dr. Shelina Jaffer, South London Ismaili CIVIC team

Andrew Bickerdike on behalf of SASH Charity for East Surrey Hospital, Redhill commented: “We are incredibly humbled by the support of our local community since the start of the pandemic and we thank Ismaili CIVIC for their generosity this Christmas after what has been a challenging year for us all. To find out more about how the local community helps support East Surrey, Crawley and Horsham hospitals visit www.sashcharity.org

This joint collaboration with local schools and hospitals has built a strong foundation upon which we can build more projects in the future. If you’d like to get involved, please register at IIUK.org using the Covid-19 response button to sign-up.

https://the.ismaili/uk/institutions/ism ... uth-london

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Smile through Art 2020

Ismaili CIVIC UK, Spectrum Consortium and AKYSB’s heARTspace collaborated on a joint mission late 2020, to bring a smile to the faces of care home residents and workers.

Budding artists from 13 Jamatkhanas unleashed their creative talents to donate almost 800 pieces of artwork to over 25 care homes across the country. Illustrations, poems, photographs, tapestry, painting and even crochet were created and delivered by local teams in a COVID-19 secure way.

Members of the Jamat used this opportunity to reflect on happy moments in their lives and share these with residents through their artwork. This helped overcome the sense of isolation many care home residents were feeling and engaged the Jamat during such extraordinary times.

‘Smiles’ were not limited to care home residents, but to all artists from the Jamat too. Artists as young as 5, to 60, together with a team of 53 dedicated Ismaili CIVIC volunteers, worked with the Ismaili led Spectrum Consortium of care home providers to bring the project to life. As well as the physical donation of the artwork to the care homes, a digital legacy features as part of AKYSB’s heARTspace platform, which launches in 2021.

"The fact that the community reached out in such an artistic and heartfelt way to our residents means so much to us and them. We look forward, post COVID to working together in the future." Sue Shaw, Home Manager Foxton Grange, Leicester.

Like many Ismaili CIVIC projects, our approach is one of partnership. Following Smile through Art, the link with care home residents in the Manchester area was further strengthened with the delivery of personalised seasons greeting cards for the residents and staff of local care homes. Future plans include supporting care homes and the residents by providing friendship services.

If you’d like to get involved, please log-on to IIUK.org and complete the registration process to become an Ismaili CIVIC volunteer.

https://the.ismaili/uk/institutions/ism ... h-art-2020
kmaherali
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I-CERV Volunteers Battle Food Shortages Amid COVID-19

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Signs reading "Mayor's Milk Initiative – Free Food & Milk," were posted around communities by I-CERV volunteers from the Central United States, as they worked over six weeks to serve 1,400 families.

In partnership with the City of Dallas and Borden Dairies, I-CERV came together to provide relief to socially and economically-marginalized community members.

"Volunteers put the values of our faith in action by distributing milk and food to those most in need, and they got a deeper understanding of food insecurity and the people it impacts," says Tasneem Devani, Chairperson for regional Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board.

As a result of the pandemic, as many as one in four children in the U.S. currently do not have enough food to eat, and I-CERV wanted to be a pillar of impact.

This event follows the donation of 10,000 surgical masks, 10,000 pairs of gloves, and 1,000 bottles of hand sanitizer donated to the City of Dallas in May to help individuals who were working on the frontlines in response to COVID-19.

"I am grateful for the wonderful huge donation of Personal Protective Equipment back when these items were scarcely available; these items were beneficial in keeping our City's first responders safe during the pandemic,” said Mayor Eric Johnson from the City of Dallas.

Mayor Johnson added, “I am also grateful for your support of our Mayor's Milk Initiative. With your help, we could distribute over 54,000 gallons of milk to over 20,000 families in need. We would not have been able to successfully implement and run this initiative without the assistance of such dedicated and incredible community partners."

A plaque was presented to the Aga Khan Council at the end of 2020 in response to their continued time and support for the city of Dallas.

Volunteerism and the commitment to serve is a core value of the Ismaili community, and these volunteers have not let the pandemic slow them down or their passion for making a positive impact on the community.

Photos at:

https://the.ismaili/usa/i-cerv-voluntee ... d-covid-19
kmaherali
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ISMAILI CIIVIC - Pemba Donation

The Jamat of Pemba, Mozambique donated food supplies to the recent internally displaced persons (IDPs) arriving via boat to Paquitequete beach.

The donation was made through Ismaili CIVIC, a global initiative which brings Ismaili Muslims together to support their local communities through voluntary service; an expression of the Islamic values of service, compassion, and generosity. Through Ismaili CIVIC, Ismailis in numerous countries give back to their communities by assisting the vulnerable, contributing to healthcare institutions, supporting environmental initiatives, and participating in various other civic engagement efforts.


The Pemba Jamat donated rice, flour, oil, powder milk, cookies, beans, onions, water, and washing detergent totaling more than twotonnes of food supplies and 500 litres of water. The donation event was held on 22 October 2020, and was attended by members of local leadership as well as members of the Pemba Jamat.


Earlier the same week,the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Mozambique donated food supplies for the IDPs. The event occurred in the presence of the President of the Municipality of Pemba Mr. Florete Simba Motarua and the Regional Director of AKF Mozambique Rahim Bhangy.


The humanitarian crisis in Cabo Delgado is considered one of the worst humanitarian crises in the history of Mozambique,where more than 350,000 people have been displaced due to an insurgency, of which 12,000 IDPs are currently at the Paquitequete beach, in Pemba,creating a refugee camp where public health issues and insufficient food have become serious issues.


The Ismaili community and AKDN are attentive to the situation and will continue to support those in need during this crisis where possible.

https://the.ismaili/mozambique/mozambiq ... a-donation
kmaherali
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Remarks from Mayor Sylvester Turner Food and Water Distribution event

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cALYzCf0Yo

I-CERV volunteers participated in their fourth drive in response to last month's winter storm that left millions of Texans without food and water. Volunteers worked alongside the City of Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Office of Council Member Abbie Kamin, the Mayor’s H.E.R. Taskforce, the Houston Housing Authority, and GHRA, who also donated water to support the event.
kmaherali
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World Speech Day 2021

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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb8KelG-83w

The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center is pleased to present World Speech Day 2021! This event is commemorated every year on March 15 across the globe in more than 100 countries. This year's World Speech Day theme is “Humanity at a Crossroads.” With this theme in mind, we celebrate the role of speeches to bring communities together and, above all, to share ideas.
kmaherali
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Ismaili CIVIC launched in Pakistan

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Ismaili CIVIC is a global programme under which the Jamat throughout the world has united around a mission to serve humanity by rendering services to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live. This international endeavour reflects the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam’s core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable.

In Pakistan, the theme for Ismaili CIVIC in 2021 is Environmental Protection. The Regional and Local Ismaili Councils, with the support of volunteers, organised a national plantation drive ‘Darakht se Hayat’ (Life from Tree), which was supported by the participation of government and public officials, religious scholars, members of civil society and local dignitaries.

The first plantation of Darakht se Hayat took place in Lower Chitral where Jamati volunteers planted saplings of loquat, fig, amlok, pomegranate and acacia. Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Muhammad Ali Zafar, the Commandant for Chitral Scouts expressed, “To protect the future of our children, we need to focus more on planting trees rather than cutting them. I am thankful to Riaz Hussain, President of the Ismaili Council for Lower Chitral, who gathered us for this noble cause.”

In Gilgit, volunteers planted saplings of deodar, saro, morpang and other plants while in Upper Chitral, volunteers from the community planted varieties of saplings at the Government Girls Degree College in Booni.

Inspiring the participants about the importance of plantation in the light of Islamic injunctions and teachings for a better environment, Ghulam Rabbani, Khatib Jamia Masjid Booni of Upper Chitral stated, “Tree plantation is important for the ecological environment and for humans. The promotion of a clean and green environment is as important as proper maintenance of the human body.”

Fateh Ullah Khan, Provincial Minister for Planning, Development and Information applauded the efforts of the Ismaili Council for organising the event stating, “As a nation it is our responsibility to contribute towards the betterment of society which will benefit generations to come. “

Similar plantations were organised in Gupis Yasin, Ishkoman Puniyal, Hunza and Karachi. Students of Prince Aly Boys Academy in Karachi along with the volunteers planted saplings while in Hunza, students of the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Hunza pledged to plant trees with their names attached to the trees.

Ismaili CIVIC reflects the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam’s core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable. It is with this duty in mind that the Jamat of Pakistan, in collaboration with the communities in which they live, will serve to improve the overall quality of life of all citizens.

Photos:

https://the.ismaili/pakistan/our-commun ... d-pakistan
kmaherali
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Ismaili CIVIC: A spark of hope during the global pandemic

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A little over a year ago, the United Kingdom, along with the rest of the world, went into lockdown to protect people from Covid-19. Businesses, schools, places of worship, and even medical services closed. For many people, the lifelines they had come to rely on had been taken away overnight.

Volunteers came out in their hundreds to offer help, support, and guidance to those in need. It was this outpouring of generosity that led to the birth of Ismaili CIVIC in the UK. What started as a small group of people has grown to over 350 volunteers representing 32 Jamatkhanas across the United Kingdom.

It is the wish of Mawlana Hazar Imam that Ismailis serve the communities in which they live to build a better world. He said in 2004 at Brown University that “one of the energising forces that makes a quality civil society possible, of course, is the readiness of its citizens to contribute their talents and energies to the social good.”

Ismaili CIVIC is a global initiative under which Jamats around the world unite around a common mission to serve humanity by rendering service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live, regardless of faith, gender, and background, and is reflective of the Jamat’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship.

Keith Wildie, a member of a multi-faith family and co-lead of Ismaili CIVIC, said he joined Ismaili CIVIC because “it’s an opportunity to engage with the whole community and help those who are vulnerable and in need; it’s a very exciting project.”

Over the past year, Ismaili CIVIC has been involved with 50 different projects, including giving donations of food, warm clothes, and children’s toys. In some parts of the UK, local councils approach Ismaili CIVIC on a regular basis for assistance. A recent initiative included providing laptops to students who were homeschooling as a result of school closures caused by the pandemic. These were essential for students to access lessons online and continue learning.

Most recently, a Covid-19 testing centre has opened in the Zamana Space of The Ismaili Centre London. Open to the public, this is an important contribution to the fight against Covid-19 by providing a walk-in facility for people to take a Covid test. Ismaili CIVIC has played a key role here, making The Ismaili Centre London the first Jamatkhana globally to become a Covid testing centre.

Reports indicate that social isolation and loneliness have become a pandemic in their own right. Ismaili CIVIC volunteers have been on hand to provide a check in and chat service.

“This was a vital lifeline for those who lived alone, were lonely or simply wanted a friendly voice to speak to,” said Nazir Manji, co-lead of Ismaili CIVIC. In addition, volunteers provided important information on the Covid-19 pandemic by translating important communication into Guajarati and other languages.

Care home residents also found themselves isolated. In an effort to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus, residents were not allowed to receive visitors. Volunteers as young as five years old created pieces of art under an aptly named project called “SMILE through art.” Over 800 pieces of art were collected for 28 national care homes, which involved an impressive 1,000 hours of voluntary service.

Through engaging with different projects, volunteers are also given the chance to acquire new skills. Ismaili CIVIC joined forces with The Prince’s Trust on a mentoring project to provide help and inspiration to young people. Volunteers were given training on the skills and traits required for a successful mentor and were in regular communication with a check-in contact. Salima Lakhani who was involved with the project said, “I feel good about the little difference I am able to make.”

Reports indicate that domestic abuse has increased by 20 percent as a result of the pandemic, so Ismaili CIVIC’s partnership with different charities will help those in need by providing advice and guidance to victims of abuse. A multi-faith cookbook is also being curated. This will contain recipes from far-reaching corners of the world to unite people over a shared love of diverse food and culture.

The endeavours of Ismaili CIVIC are going from strength to strength. A new logo has recently been unveiled to promote the global brand, make Ismaili CIVIC a recognisable entity world-wide, and assist with harnessing civic engagement and service by the Ismaili community across the globe. In addition, a global Ismaili CIVIC day will be launched later in the year, bringing all of these activities together in the spirit of service to humanity by the Jamat worldwide.

The last year has been one of uncertainty, challenge, and often fear. At times, it has been a struggle for people to keep up hope. Mawlana Hazar Imam said in an interview at Harvard University in 2015 that “the moment that people of any generation, of any age, lose hope, it is a very, very damaging thing for that community, that society. So, creating circumstances of hope, is to me very, very important indeed.”

Ismaili CIVIC volunteers, like all our volunteers, serve with passion, energy, and enthusiasm to help those in need and provide that spark of hope.

https://the.ismaili/ismaili-civic/ismai ... l-pandemic
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Amid trying times, Ismaili Civic providing free drinking water to COVID-19 facilities in Mumbai

https://www.aninews.in/news/national/ge ... 426095023/
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Ismaili CIVIC deliver dinner to the St Bart’s NHS Trust frontline staff

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The Royal London Hospital in particular has worked hard to care for the local community, which includes several BAME communities which have been adversely affected by the
spread of coronavirus.

In recognition of their extraordinary work, Ismaili Civic East London identified three sites within the Trust, the Royal London Hospital, the Ambrose King Health Centre and the Sir Ludwig Guttmann Health Centre, to receive 500 servings of biriyani made using a special East London Jamatkhana recipe.

By partnering with the Barts Health Wellbeing team, Ismaili Civic volunteers delivered the branded take-home packs in conjunction with the catering specialist Emmdees of Dudley. A total of 400 chicken biriyani and 100 vegetarian biriyani packs were delivered one crisp March morning to the delight of frontline staff.

"Thank you so much for arranging the delicious food. It was such a morale booster! And much more tasty than my dry sandwich (again)." Doctor, Royal London Hospital

Many of the staff involved in the fight against Covid-19 were drafted-in from other parts of the Trust. The Ismaili Civic East London team thought it was important to recognise these staff members too for their adaptability, resilience and hard work.

"Your food was much appreciated. It was a very kind gesture. We need many more thoughtful souls like yourself." Nurse practitioner, Royal London Hospital

Since the day of the donation, personal messages of thanks from appreciative staff have poured in together with requests for the secret recipe! Ismaili Civic East London view this as the first of other projects with St Barts NHS Trust, and are currently discussing other ways that Ismaili Civic can support.

If you’d like to get involved, please register as an Ismailli Civic volunteer through IIUK.org.

https://the.ismaili/uk/institutions/ism ... -nhs-trust

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Ismaili CIVIC Reading | CIRDIC/Whitley CDA | Food boxes for the vulnerable

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In August 2020, Government supplied food boxes for previously shielding and vulnerable families were brought to a stop.

Inspired by a BBC South news feature, the Ismaili Civic Reading team leapt into action and partnered with Churches in Reading Drop-in Centre (CIRDIC) and Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA).

Working with Marks & Spencer and Morrisons, Ismaili Civic started by donating fruit for the food boxes previously supplied by the Government. The scheme’s success has resulted in an ongoing collaboration with the retailers and the local support centres, that continues today.

Every Monday, Ismaili Civic Volunteers deliver donations from the Jamat including breakfast items, kitchen cupboard staples and fresh dairy, fruit and vegetables to the CIRDIC and WCDA centres. Over 150 vulnerable families receive help from these locally run centres.

As the festive season approached, Ismaili Civic volunteers went one step further, engaging with local Reading residents to bake and donate festive cookies. This formed part of a personalised food hamper for vulnerable individuals.

“These donations are put to good use, and we hear so many lovely stories about how much help they’ve been. As another lockdown kicks in we are again rising to the challenge and will work hard to ensure that we support our community. Thanks again for your help.”

T. Bennett, Community Development Coordinator – Whitley Community Development Association.

If you’d like to get involved, please register to volunteer at iiuk.org.

https://the.ismaili/uk/institutions/ism ... food-boxes
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NASA and Ismaili Jamat in the US partner for a live event from the International Space Station

In today’s global environment, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields are at the forefront of technological advancement, and are shaping the future of society. Engineers, scientists, and inventors from different backgrounds collaborate on a global scale to create the technologies that impact human life on a daily basis. Against this backdrop, the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern US is collaborating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to host an In-flight Education Downlink live from the International Space Station with Expedition 65 astronaut Megan McArthur on 17 May 2021. Additionally, on 19 May 2021 an extended broadcast of the downlink will air on The Ismaili TV for the global Jamat, with messages from key elected officials from Texas and other public figures who oversee legislative and executive activities that impact space, science, and technology.

The downlink is a live question-and-answer session for students to interact with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The Ismaili Council’s educational initiatives, facilitated through volunteers from the Aga Khan Education Board for the Southwestern United States, strive to improve educational outcomes amongst children from birth through college and beyond, by embracing the sharing of knowledge to help improve the quality of life of people around the world. In order to bring STEM learning opportunities to as many students as possible, programs such as the NASA downlink highlight the continuing efforts of the Aga Khan Education Board in forging strategic partnerships with institutions at the forefront of STEM education. Education and learning are the bedrock upon which a global civil society is built. Mawlana Hazar Imam highlighted this sentiment during the 88th Stephen Ogden Lecture at Brown University on 9 March 2014, saying:

“A quality civil society, in any setting, will require well-informed leaders who are sensitive to a wide array of disciplines, and outlooks and cultures. It will require people with the ability to continue their learning in response to new knowledge.”

For this NASA downlink, the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern US is excited to partner with schools from the Aldine, Alief, Fort Bend, Houston, and Stafford school districts as well as Awty International, Etoile Academy, The Honor Roll, and The Village Schools to engage middle school students from the Greater Houston area. Students and teachers were provided resources to enhance their background knowledge about the upcoming program and allow the students an opportunity to submit a question to an astronaut. Some of these questions will be asked to the astronauts onboard the International Space Station during the downlink. A diverse group of students from various walks of life will come together to learn and be inspired by this unique educational opportunity.

To extend the learning and excitement about the upcoming downlink, the Aga Khan Education Board for the Southwestern US is also hosting STEMonstration (STEM demonstration) sessions virtually on topics related to the long-term impact of life and work in space. These interactive sessions provide students a better understanding of life in space and the opportunity to learn through experiments and interactive modules during the session.

As humanity continues its exploration of the universe, new knowledge and understanding will come from experimentation and curious people; our future scientists and mathematicians will lead the charge as we expand our understanding of the cosmos. From medicine to computer science to astrophysics, STEM fields are driving innovation and progress for an advancing global society. Ultimately, STEM fields provide an ever-growing avenue not just for job opportunities and success in student’s careers but also in their ability to positively impact humanity.

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Stay tuned to the The Ismaili TV Guide at tv.ismaili for the scheduled airings of the event in your timezone.

https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... onal-space
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Website: https://the.ismaili/civic

Ismaili CIVIC is a global programme under which the Shia Ismaili Muslim community across the world has united around its centuries old tradition of serving humanity by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live, regardless of faith, gender and background.

This international endeavour reflects the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam’s core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable. Reflecting the pluralism of the Muslim world generally, the Ismailis are a richly diverse community within the Shia branch of Islam who belong to distinct ethno-geographic and linguistic traditions. They are united by their belief in a living hereditary Imam of the Time from the progeny of Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family).

The Ismaili CIVIC brand will be used globally and will serve to identify all Ismaili CIVIC activities worldwide. It represents our external volunteer service across the globe in every way, through the words Khidmat, meaning service. The logo contains the Roman letters “I” and “C” as well as the word “Khidmat” in Arabic, rendered in Kufic calligraphy within a sphere, embracing the East and the West, serving humanity around the world, reflecting the values of care and compassion for others
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Post by kmaherali »

Lets Go to Space

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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_iHzOL_SCE

FOX 26 TV Houston Interview. ...
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Remarks from Texas Senator Angela Paxton Recognizing the Ismaili Muslim Community

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAGm30yL7us

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Honoring the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center for its service to the Sugar Land community.

By: Jetton H.R. No. 1181

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Sugar Land has demonstrated an admirable commitment to helping those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, The unprecedented circumstances of the past year have placed immense burdens on our communities, including strains on health care resources, business closures, and loss of jobs; the members of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center have set an inspiring example of civic leadership by continuing to serve others and working toward the greater good; in so doing, they have been a source of hope and solace to many individuals; and

WHEREAS, A place of reflection, prayer, and gathering for Shia Ismaili Muslims, the center reaches out to the wider community with gestures of friendship and welcome; in December 2020, it sponsored the "Share Your Holidays Food Drive" to help fill local food pantries; it has also held water distribution events, and recently, it opened its facilities for use as a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for the public; and

WHEREAS, The goodwill and tireless dedication of the members of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center have made a positive difference in the lives of numerous Sugar Land residents during a time of crisis, and they are truly deserving of special recognition for their efforts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby honor the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center for its outstanding service to the community and extend to its members sincere best wishes for continued success in their important work; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the center as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/b ... 1181I.docx

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/Hi ... ill=HR1181
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Texas leaders recognize Ismaili community’s service during challenging year

Over the past year, the challenge of Covid-19 in Texas has been compounded by a winter storm that left millions throughout the state without power and water, and Hurricane Laura, which caused extensive property damage and displaced many. In the face of these challenges, members of the Ismaili community came together to assist those in need, staffing vaccine mega-sites, volunteering to distribute food and water, donating large amounts of PPE to first responders and communities in need, and organizing dozens of drives, including to collect blood, food, and books.

On 26 May 2021, Texas state leaders including Governor Greg Abbott recognized these efforts, welcoming volunteers and community leaders to the State Capitol in Austin. During his interaction with community members, the Governor remarked on the continued role the Ismaili community has played in mitigating the impacts of emergencies going back to volunteer contributions during Hurricane Harvey. Governor Abbott also lauded the efforts by the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Houston in hosting community events, including vaccination events providing a central and convenient location for many to receive Covid-19 vaccines. While speaking with Ismaili medical professionals, the Governor emphasized the significance of getting vaccinated to ensure a successful reopening of the State.

Recognizing the work of the scores of Ismaili medical professionals who have volunteered during the pandemic and in vaccine distribution efforts, Dr. Salima Jaffer, Chairperson of the Aga Khan Health Board for the Southwestern US, expressed her pride and humility in representing “the army of volunteers who have had the passion and deep commitment to serve humanity during the pandemic.”

Governor Abbott was joined by State Representative Jacey Jetton who authored a resolution honoring the efforts of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community for making “a positive difference in the lives of the numerous … residents during a time of crisis.” State Senator Angela Paxton also recognized the role of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center on the Texas Senate floor. Senator Paxton remarked that the work of the Jamatkhana and Center in outreach to the community-at-large, such as through food drives, water distribution events, and Covid-19 vaccinations, is a “shining example of connecting faith [with actions].”

While the recognition was offered by state officials at the Capitol, much of the work in which the Ismaili Muslim community was engaged occurred through partnerships at the county and city levels, including the cities of Houston, Sugar Land, Cedar Park, Spring, San Antonio, Port Arthur, and Fort Bend County.

At the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, when masks and other PPE were still in short supply among first responders and others in the community, the Ismaili Community facilitated the donation of 500,000 masks and partnered with the City of Houston to distribute them to the City’s most vulnerable residents. As reports of blood donation shortages surfaced, the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center was opened up for blood donation drives, in partnership with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.

At multiple times over the past year, Ismaili community volunteers under the umbrella of I-CERV (Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering) organized activities to address hunger and food insecurity, including multiple drives supporting food banks in the local communities. In the aftermath of February 2021’s winter storm, I-CERV volunteers went door to door in Houston’s historic Oaks of Allen Parkway neighborhood to distribute food and water to homebound elderly residents and others who were unable to travel to food distribution sites.

Furthermore, in keeping with the spirit of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, volunteers from the Ismaili Council organized a book collection drive in collaboration with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and other partners in the Greater Houston and Austin area, to benefit educational institutions striving to educate young minds facing the challenges imposed by the pandemic. Most recently, Ismaili medical professionals from the Ismaili Health Professionals Association staffed multiple vaccine mega-sites across the state, administering coronavirus vaccines.

Aresha Davwa, a youth leader and member of the Aga Khan Youth & Sports Board for the Southwestern US reflected on the recognition from the state, and the occasion, noting that she is “especially proud of our younger volunteers who coordinated donation drives, who learned to sew masks, and who found ways to creatively serve the community, simply because of their compassion and empathy for others.”

Remarks from Texas Senator Angela Paxton Recognizing the Ismaili Muslim Community

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAGm30yL7us&t=8s

Photos and more...

https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... hallenging
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Ismaili CIVIC Cleanliness Drive - Ismaili Council for Southern Region

Video:

https://www.facebook.com/TheIsmailiPaki ... _GK0T-GK1C

Ismaili Council for Southern Region organised a Cleanliness Drive under the banner of Ismaili CIVIC.

More than 5,000 volunteers including Girl Guides and Boy Scouts from the Ismaili community collected plastic and other waste material at 6 public parks, 69 streets and 20 localities in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Shah Bander and Tando Turel jurisdictions.

Credits: Aadil Hussaini, Azeem A.Lakhani, Mushahid Hussain, Rahim Khoja, Shahroze Shahnawaz

#Ismaili #TheIsmailiPakistan #Pakistan #onehumanity #OneJamat #worldenvironmentday
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I-CERV Transitioning to Ismaili CIVIC

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“The Council and the Jamat wish to express our gratitude to all the volunteers, especially our youth, who have been instrumental in I-CERV’s remarkable work, even throughout the pandemic. It has become a valuable and recognized partner for many other organizations, while helping improve the understanding of Islam’s message of care for the vulnerable. This is something for which we have long aspired, and of which we can be proud.” Al-Karim Alidina, President, Ismaili Council for USA.

I-CERV, the Jamat’s service initiative, has been an extremely successful endeavor since its inception over a decade ago. Established to offer practical solutions to assisting communities in need, I-CERV has organized events and collaborated with cities, non-profits, and other faith groups.

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I-CERV members of the Jamat at the Orlando Emergency Information Center, following Hurricane Irma.
I-CERV members of the Jamat at the Orlando Emergency Information Center, following Hurricane Irma.
Since 2019, I-CERV has been involved in over 300 events, ranging from blood drives, food collection, provision of personal protective gear to first responders and others, assisting at COVID-19 sites, cleaning parks, schools, beaches, and planting trees.

In 2017, I-CERV was recognized with the Point of Light award by five living Presidents in Houston, for the 13,500 volunteer hours contributed to assisting victims of Hurricane Harvey.

The Jamat’s service initiatives have also made a profound impact on the volunteers. As Sharmin Jaffer of San Diego says, “I-CERV gives me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself, while utilizing my skills and knowledge to make a difference. And as it turns out, it also enhances my wellbeing.”
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I-CERV volunteers and others packing 155,000 nutritional packs in partnership with Feed My Starving Children, Chicago.
I-CERV volunteers and others packing 155,000 nutritional packs in partnership with Feed My Starving Children, Chicago.
In 2017, a new service organization, Ismaili CIVIC, was established in Canada, coinciding with the Diamond Jubilee and 150 years of Canada’s Confederation. With Mawlana Hazar Imam’s support, this initiative is now becoming a global one, and is currently operating in Canada, the UK, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Australia, and New Zealand.

In order to align the US efforts with international service projects and events, I-CERV will transition over the next few months to the new brand, Ismaili CIVIC. However, the essential mission will remain the same, that of serving communities in need. This change of name will allow the global Jamat to participate in international service days such as World Hunger Day and, potentially, on a global Ismaili CIVIC Day.

The logo of Ismaili CIVIC contains the initials IC, and the word, “Khidmat” (service), in Arabic calligraphy, reflecting the global nature of this endeavor.

All members of the Jamat are encouraged to join Ismaili CIVIC and participate in its initiatives, to actualize the ethics of our faith and to demonstrate good citizenship.

https://the.ismaili/usa/i-cerv-transiti ... aili-civic
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Global Ismaili CIVIC Day: Celebrating community service across the globe

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Since the global launch of the Ismaili CIVIC initiative last year, volunteers from the worldwide Jamat have made a significant positive impact in the areas of health, education, economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural restoration. To build on this momentum, the inaugural Global Ismaili CIVIC Day will take place on 26 September 2021.

Ismaili CIVIC Day will harness the potential and capacity of tens of thousands of volunteers, serving hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries around the world, with passion, energy, and enthusiasm, while working alongside governments and civil society organisations to enrich lives.

The initiative will be commemorated throughout the weekend of 25 and 26 September, with the aim of engaging 20,000 volunteers and offering 100,000 hours of voluntary service to communities via a diverse array of activities that will occur simultaneously across the globe.

During the weekend, CIVIC initiatives will focus on two themes: Pandemic Response and Relief, and Environmental Stewardship. Country teams will draw awareness to global efforts towards caring for the natural environment, and conducting relief efforts to alleviate the situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Activities will include tree planting, parks and shoreline clean-ups, food bank collection efforts, blood donations, vaccination drives, and more.

Ismaili CIVIC is a global programme under which the Shia Ismaili Muslim community has united around its centuries-old tradition of serving humanity by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live. This service is offered to those in need, regardless of faith, gender, or background, and has represented a beacon during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The international endeavour reflects the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam’s core values of service, peace, compassion, and care for the vulnerable.

Speaking about this ethic in an interview with Architectural Record in 2001, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “There are many, many interpretations of Islam within the wider Islamic community, but I think one on which there is greatest consensus, is the fact that we are trustees of God's creation, and we are instructed to seek to leave the world a better place than it was when we came into it.”

The inaugural Global Ismaili CIVIC Day, bringing together volunteers, civil society partners, and other stakeholders, aims to contribute to bettering the state of the world, and the lives of all.

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For more information and to register to participate in the inaugural Ismaili CIVIC Day, look out for updates from your National Council, subscribe to The Ismaili newsletter, visit the Ismaili CIVIC website https://the.ismaili/civic , and follow us on social media.

https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... -the-globe
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Ismaili CIVIC Singapore Join 4PM’s Ministerial Dialogue

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On 31 July 2021, Ismaili CIVIC Singapore volunteers were invited to join 4PM’s (Persatuan Persuratan Pemuda Pemudi Melayu or the Malay Youth Literary Association) annual ministerial dialogue. Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, interacted with Natasha Amin, Iliyan Allana, Haris van Keulen, Aamir Bana, Akbar Makani, along with over 350 Muslim youths from across Singapore.

Senior Minister Shanmugaratnam addressed numerous topics with great humility and respect, including how Muslim youths feel today. The dialogue was highly engaging and discussed how meritocracy could reduce inequality, ensuring inter-ethnic engagement in schools, promoting a healthy competitive environment as well as encouraging academic growth in 'unengaged' students. He also responded to a wide range of questions and comments from the youthful audience, including Singapore Ismaili youths.

“SM Shanmugaratnam was generous with his time and thoughts. It was a memorable up and close personal experience with an influential leader who is well recognised on the international stage,” said Iliyan Allana.
The Ismaili Muslim Community of Singapore has had an enduring collaboration with 4PM. Since 2013, the Ismaili Community has supported its Ramadan on Wheels initiative, including volunteering for its unique Cookies For Our Community event in 2019. Last year, the community raised funds to support more than 300 families with essentials to celebrate Eid. Dr Mustafa also hosted Ismaili Muslim representatives in the South Asian Diaspora Convention, organised by the Institute of South Asian Studies and held at the National University of Singapore.

Through volunteerism, civic engagement, and collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations, most notably 4PM, the Singapore diaspora looks to forge closer ties of understanding to build a more inclusive Ummah and strengthen the multicultural fabric of Singapore.
SM Shanmugaratnam highlighted the significance of effective dialogue in building bridges across diverse frontiers and combating a clash of ignorance by offering multiple pathways towards resolving conflict.
The dialogue was moderated by Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, who has volunteered with 4PM for 25 years. He is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with the National University of Singapore (NUS).

“It is always a pleasure to have members of the highly-respected Ismaili community in Singapore in our midst. They have been doing fantastic work on interethnic, intercultural and interfaith engagement in Singapore for decades, with the history of the community dating back to the late 19th century/early 20th century. The community here, which has a good mix of adults and youths, has helped uplift underprivileged Malay/Muslim families in Singapore. Besides Singapore, the community has diasporas in many other parts of the world, and are known for their philanthropy, diligence and humility,” said Dr Mustafa.

https://the.ismaili/far-east/far-east-c ... l-dialogue
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Ismaili CIVIC UK is proud to announce that it will be celebrating Global Ismaili CIVIC Day (GICD) on the weekend of 25 and 26 September 2021, uniting our Jamat from across 21 jurisdictions, covering 40 countries.

This global endeavour reflects the Ismaili community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam’s core values of service, peace, compassion and care for others. With the intention of expressing our faith in action, Jamati members will be encouraged to take part in volunteering initiatives that give back to our local communities.

The UK Jurisdiction Jamats have chosen the theme of Environmental Stewardship for this inaugural activity, to raise awareness and support global efforts towards helping the environment.

Ismaili CIVIC UK will be organising an array of volunteering activities from planting trees, to park and street clean ups, so make sure you bookmark your diaries.

Everyone is welcome to join in the activities, so please inform all your family members, friends and co-workers to get involved!

The following Jamatkhanas across the UK and Europe have registered their interest*:

Amsterdam, Birmingham, Bristol, Copenhagen, Darkhana, East London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guildford, Leeds/Bradford, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes/Northampton, North London, North West, Reading, Sheffield, South East London, South London, South West London, Stockholm.

For more information on planned projects and how to get involved, please contact your local Ismaili CIVIC Jamatkhana representative.

*This list will be regularly updated

https://the.ismaili/uk/institutions/ism ... c-day-2021
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GLOBAL ISMAILI CIVIC DAY “Serving Humanity, Enriching Lives“
 September 24-26, 2021

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In the ANZ region (with consideration to the COVID restrictions in each State) we invite you, your friends, your neighbours and workmates to participate in any or all of the following activities:

Ismaili CIVIC is a global Initiatives ... where the Shia Ismaili Muslim community across the world has united, around a centuries-old tradition of serving humanity, by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live, regardless of faith, gender and background.

In 2021 we will be working with two themes: Environmental Stewardship and COVID- Response. In the ANZ region we invite you, your friends, your neighbours and workmates to participate in any or all of the following activities: (with consideration to the COVID restrictions in each State)

Theme - Environmental Stewardship:

On September 24-26:

Plant a tree: plant a native tree, fruit tree, flowers or seeds in your garden to build up your natural ecosystem and improve your environmental wellbeing.

Build a birdfeeder: join our youth at “Camp Design and Discover” in building a birdfeeder to invite nature into your yard. Use recycled materials like old cups, plastic bottles with seed, spoons etc around the home to build your eco-friendly birdfeeder.

See details in the link below and share photos on our social media using our hashtags below.

Theme - COVID Response:

Pamper Hampers: spread Kindness and care to your local healthcare workers and COVID affected families with pamper hampers. Donate pamper items such as candles, books, chocolates, body wash and other toiletries to lift the sprit and bring some joy. Be creative and make a Happiness Card to share with the Hampers. Click the link below for more information and make your donations delivered to the Ismaili Civic member in your city.

Donate Blood: Blood donation demand is at an all time high, and we can all do our part to help. Register with the Ismaili civic team and make an appointment at your local Red Cross Lifeblood donation centre and do your part in saving a life.

For information on all the activities: Click Here https://linktr.ee/GICD21
To send us your pictures click here: Click Here https://linktr.ee/GICD21

https://the.ismaili/anz/global-ismaili- ... 24-26-2021
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GLOBAL ISMAILI CIVIC DAY HAPPENING NEXT WEEK: Join your local events

Global Ismaili CIVIC Day is a day/weekend when the Jamat around the world, in unity, demonstrate our centuries-old tradition of serving humanity and enriching the lives of the communities in which we live. The first ever Global Ismaili CIVIC Day will be held on the weekend of 26th September 2021. Responding to the Pandemic and Protecting the Earth - first ever Global Ismaili CIVIC Day sees thousands of volunteers across the globe pledge to offer more than hundreds of thousands of hours of voluntary service to strengthen communities through local efforts.

In the Kenya jurisdiction, activities are planned across Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi, Burundi, South Africa, Namibia and Swaziland. See details below on how to participate in specific activities:

More...

https://the.ismaili/kenya/global-ismail ... cal-events
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USA Commemorates Global Ismaili CIVIC Day!

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTwnI-KrUp0

Communities across the USA will be positively impacted by the Shia Ismaili Muslim community engaging in environmentally friendly projects with civil society partners.
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Ismaili CIVIC Singapore partners Minister Alvin Tan and Our Green Moulmein-Cairnhill to gift plants on World Environmental Health Day weekend

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Singapore’s Ismaili Community, today partnered to provide 250 potted plants to the Moulmein- Cairnhill community in commemoration of the World Health Environmental Day.

Watch video at:

https://the.ismaili/ismaili-civic/ismai ... -cairnhill

The event coincides with the Global Ismaili CIVIC Day- an inaugural signature event of the Ismaili Community worldwide. It unites a centuries-old tradition of serving humanity by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they reside, regardless of faith, gender and background. This international endeavour reflects the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenry.


The potted plants were presented to Mr Alvin Tan (Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Culture, Community & Youth) who accepted these on behalf of the Moulmein-Cairnhill community where he is also the Grassroots Adviser of the Tanjong Pagar GRC GROs (Moulmein-Cairnhill).


To encourage green fingers, enhance mental wellness, as well as to thank and appreciate partners, these plants will be distributed to ComCare, migrant workers in the estate, Grassroots Leaders of the Pek Kio Community Centre as well as key partners and members of the Moulmein-Cairnhill Mental Health Taskforce. A day earlier, also as part of the collaboration, 150 plants were presented to frontliners and received by Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Staff Well-Being Committee Chairman, Associate Professor Habeebul Rahman, and Assistant Director of HR Wellness, Mr Dominic Tung.


“To mark World Environmental Health Day, Our Green Moulmein-Cairnhill has partnered with Ismaili CIVIC to gift plants to our diverse communities including seniors, youths, healthcare staff, migrant workers and community groups. We thank the Ismaili community for taking the time to grow, nurture and decorate these 250 potted plants,” said Mr Alvin Tan on this inaugural ICS-OGM partnership. “Just as our actions impact the environment, we have to recognise that the health of our environment affects us and our communities too. During this time, we hope these potted plants will brighten up the homes and work spaces of our recipients and enhance their mental health and well-being while nurturing some green fingers along the way.”


“Our Green Moulmein-Cairnhill has achieved many milestones since we started in 2019, and partnering with Ismaili CIVIC for this green and meaningful initiative is one of them. This is a valuable collaboration to show care and appreciation for our key partners and frontliners while sharing plant care tips and the health benefits of greenery in our living environment,” said Michelle Wan, Co-Chairperson of Our Green MoCa.


Responding to the Pandemic and Protecting the Earth – the first ever Global Ismaili CIVIC Day sees tens of thousands of volunteers across the globe with over 90 partnerships offering voluntary service to strengthen communities through local efforts.


In Singapore, through its Together We Grow campaign, Ismaili CIVIC Singapore has committed to distribute 1,500 plants to schools, hospitals, grassroots organisations as well as seniors, frontliners, migrant workers and youth in addition to organising knowledge workshops, nature walks and mural paintings.


“This year, we are focussed on environmental stewardship and response to the pandemic. Our volunteers came together to nurture and decorate 1,000 ornamental and herbal plants for our 30 partners. We wanted to raise awareness of Singapore’s Green Plan 2030. In these unprecedented times, when mental health is a growing concern, we felt plants inspire hope to those facing challenges and provide an opportunity for ground-up engagement with multiple constituents in a meaningful way,” said Zain Fancy, President of the Ismaili Council for the Far East.


Our Green MoCa is a community green group started in 2019. Comprising of volunteers and residents in the Moulmein-Cairnhill constituency, the group aims to build a more vibrant and resilient community through green and sustainable action. Partnering with like-minded individuals, sustainability groups and government agencies, past initiatives include greening walkways, revitalising community spaces, and raising awareness about climate issues through webinars, workshops and hackathons.


Ismaili CIVIC is partnering with more than 40 organisations including the Brahm Centre, ComCare, Touch Community Services, Seastainable, SayurStory, Raffles Girls Primary School, Covid Migrant Support Coalition, Malay Literary Society (4PM), Preschool for Multiple Intelligences, and the People's Association.
In the region, in countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan, this initiative is being honoured in a variety of ways including: care packages to frontliners, hygiene kits to children’s homes, growing fresh vegetables for soup kitchens, and committing resources for the homeless. These efforts connect to similar activities in more than 30 countries around the world.


Since the launch of the Ismaili CIVIC initiative across the globe in 2020, significant impact has been created in the areas of health, education, economic development, environmental stewardship and cultural restoration. Amidst these uncertain times, Ismaili CIVIC endeavours to strengthen the bonds between communities and fosters collaboration and commitment to improving the human condition.
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Houston Mayor and Chairman of Climate Mayors Sylvester Turner Highlights Global Ismaili CIVIC Day

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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Fl-WKsSGU

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Today the U.S. flag flown over the Capitol was dedicated to the Aga Khan Council for the USA, in commemoration of Global Ismaili CIVIC Day and the community service rendered nationally by US volunteers. The flag being flown will be given to the National Council along with a signed certificate by Senator Hickenlooper's office.
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Post by kmaherali »

govt appeals for achieving sustainable development

THE government is calling for more collective efforts from stakeholders to support the government's efforts to conserve the environment and fight against climate change impacts which of late are causing great impacts in the society.

Minister of State in the Office of the Vice-President, Union and Environment, Selemani Jafo made the call in Dar es Salaam yesterday during the commemoration of the Global Islamic CIVIC day.

More...

https://www.ippmedia.com/en/news/govt-a ... evelopment
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New York Senator Anna Kaplan recognizes Global Ismaili CIVIC Day
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Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXe0FW8Qvrc

New York Senator Anna Kaplan recognizes the contributions made by the Shia Ismaili Muslim community and commemorates Global Ismaili CIVIC Day.
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