VOLUNTEERS - SEVA - SEWA - TKN

[mahebubchatur]

Ismaili Volunteers, from the #Ismaili centre London paying respect on the passing of Queen Elizabeth, on behalf of the Ismaili and local community - the funeral cortège en route from London Westminster Abbey to Windsor -

Link to video https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... 38304?s=12

[mahebubchatur]

The latest definition by IIS ITREB

Unconditional voluntary service to Imam of the time is a part of the allegiance given to & accepted by the Imam fm Ismailis called “Bay’ah” #AgaKhan


more at viewtopic.php?p=66098#p66098

Guidance by Imam for #Ismaili volunteers @akdn


viewtopic.php?p=75803#p75803


The Ismaili post https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... HVEuP_htNQ

[kmaherali]

Mawlana Hazar Imam has approved a set of new guidelines for our uniformed volunteers who render service day in, day out, in Jamatkhanas and beyond. Be the first to view the new motto, badge, and uniform of the Ismaili Volunteers here.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7NgPzSCnf8&t=3s

The ethic of voluntary service has a long-enduring history in our Jamat. Besides reflecting the values of our Tariqah, this centuries-old tradition of giving of one’s time and resources encourages initiative, develops leadership capacity, and offers opportunities for an individual’s personal and professional development.

First formally established in Mumbai and Karachi in 1919, the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC) was honoured by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah by way of authorisation for the use of his own crest, the Taj, as its emblem in 1920, which marked the initiation of the tradition of uniformed volunteer service in the Jamat.

For over a century, uniformed volunteers have been a vital mainstay of endeavours for the wellbeing and progress of our community. In all Jamati geographies and cultures, volunteers spare no effort in serving the Jamat in diverse situations and contexts, within and outside Jamatkhana. Time and again, Mawlana Hazar Imam has taken the opportunity to recognise and appreciate the importance and value of such service.

Mawlana Hazar Imam, in setting out new principles for the Jamat’s paradigm of uniformed volunteering, said in his recent message to the Jamat that the aim is “to bring about standardisation and parity in the various elements relating to the organisation of the uniformed volunteers, without compromising their spirit of service.” Hazar Imam also emphasised that the new guidelines will fully respect the global Jamat's socio-cultural diversity.

Among the key elements that Hazar Imam has approved are a new name, “Ismaili Volunteers” (removing the term ‘Corps’), and a new motto, khidma.

Khidma (Arabic for ‘service’) expresses the core value of Ismaili volunteers and will serve to strengthen the bond of this shared ethos among Ismaili volunteers across all countries, ages, and cultures. Rendered as khidmat in Jamats of Persian and Indic language usage, this term succinctly expresses the notion of unconditional service.

A new visual identity that Mawlana Hazar Imam has approved is a motif of contemporary design and outlook that resonates with other Jamati and AKDN logos. This motif, which will be adapted for diverse types of applications including a new volunteer badge, consists of a stylised presentation of the name “Lillaah” (for Allah), artfully arranged, and repeated seven times in a composition of calligraphic brushes.

IV logo


The connective nature of the motif symbolises the achievement of a unified goal, and the interlinking of din and duniya, faith and world. The final letter of Lillaah is rendered in the shape of a leaf and, along with the deep green colour, aims to remind us of our responsibility to care for the natural environment. The round outer shape suggests a globe, recalling that, despite our differences, we share one world – the Earth – as our home. Keen observers may also spot shapes resembling the English ‘i’ for Ismaili and ‘v’ for volunteers.

The range of designs for a new volunteer uniform will accommodate the Jamat’s socio-cultural diversity and take account of cost, functionality, and climate adaptability. While adapting to contemporary times and contexts, the designs recognise the historical legacy and contributions of uniformed volunteers over the course of more than a century.

Over the coming months, the National Councils will oversee an orderly transition by our uniformed volunteers to the new elements that Mawlana Hazar Imam has approved. Their spirit of service will continue to shine under a unified banner, as a reflection of our Imam’s aspiration that “Our volunteers should continue being viewed as an organisation that adapts to changing times and circumstances while upholding an age-old tradition.”

We offer congratulations and Mubarak to all Ismaili Volunteers on the occasion of this special news.

[kmaherali]

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNjzP2Y_y6I

[mahebubchatur]

Guidance - Farman since 1986

“I submit that one of our great goals, if we are to create an enabling environment of hope and determination, is to give our volunteers opportunities to become more expert and professional – more rational and skilled, without killing their passion.”
 Mawlana Hazar Imam
 Enabling Environment Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, 21 October 1986

Full text https://ismaili.net/speech/s861021.html


Article
nimirasblog.wordpress.com/2022/04/25/mawlana-hazar-imam-give-volunteers-opportunities-to-become-more-expert-and-professional-without-killing-their-passion/

[mahebubchatur]

Hazar Imam said in guidance - Talika - to the Jamat that the aim is “to bring about standardisation and parity in the various elements relating to the organisation of the uniformed volunteers, without compromising their spirit of service.”

News report

“Mawlana Hazar Imam last year approved new guidelines for our uniformed volunteers. Among the key changes are a new name – Ismaili Volunteers – a new motto – khidma – and new uniform designs, all aiming to contemporise the identity and image of the volunteers as an Ismaili community-based civil society organisation.

The new uniforms will be the most visible aspect of the approved changes and, in the run up to Salgirah this year, volunteers are looking forward to serving in the newly designed uniforms, which are now being shipped to Jamats around the world.

For over a century, uniformed volunteers have been vital to the wellbeing and progress of our community. In all Jamati geographies and cultures, volunteers spare no effort in serving the Jamat in diverse situations and contexts, within and outside Jamatkhana. Time and again, Mawlana Hazar Imam has recognised and appreciated the importance and value of such service.

The new set of guidelines marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Ismaili Volunteers, long recognised for their dedication to service. In setting out the new principles last year, Hazar Imam said in a message to the Jamat that the aim is “to bring about standardisation and parity in the various elements relating to the organisation of the uniformed volunteers, without compromising their spirit of service.” He also emphasised that the new guidelines will fully respect the global Jamat's socio-cultural diversity.

One of the first jurisdictions to implement the change is Pakistan. Volunteers there have already begun serving in the vibrant new blue and white uniform, which includes variations for functionality and climate adaptability.

“The new designs convey inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance,” said Sarah Abdul Rasool from Karachi. “It feels delightful and empowering to be serving in a uniform which brings all the individual volunteers together under one umbrella.”

“It gives an elegant and professional impression, and it feels great too,” added Saima Aziz, also from Karachi.

As images of the new badge and uniform spread on social media, volunteers from across the world have expressed excitement and anticipation ahead of the launch in their own jurisdictions. Envisioned not only as a practical tool for identification, the new uniform is also a visual representation of the community's commitment to service and compassion.

“Having the same uniform globally highlights the identity of the Ismaili Volunteers as an institution with a cherished history and legacy, and makes all volunteers feel part of one team,” said Asif Sarangi, who began volunteering as a child in France. He now serves as the Ismaili Volunteers Executive Director for the UK.

“Khidma says it all,” added Asif, referring to the new motto which features on the updated badge. “It's about making a positive difference in other people’s lives.”

Arabic for the word ‘service,’ khidma expresses the core value of Ismaili volunteers and unites Ismaili volunteers across all countries, ages, and cultures. Rendered as khidmat in Jamats of Persian and Indic language usage, it succinctly expresses the notion of unconditional service.

For Ismailis, the ethic of volunteering has a long-enduring history. Besides reflecting the values of our Tariqah, this centuries-old tradition of offering time and resources encourages initiative, develops leadership capacity, and offers opportunities for an individual’s personal and professional development.

As shipments of uniforms begin to arrive in all jurisdictions, the new badge and visual identity is poised to become a powerful representation of shared values, which unite the diverse yet dynamic group of Ismaili Volunteers worldwide.

“It’s more than just clothing; it's a symbol of our shared purpose,” said 17-year-old Rahee Hajiani, who has served as a Jamati volunteer in Angola and Portugal. “I can't wait to proudly wear it and feel connected to my fellow volunteers, no matter where they are.” TheIsmaili

[kmaherali]

Hum Volunteer Hain Jamaton Ke
We are volunteers for the community

"Hum Volunteer Hain Jamaton Ke" is a special tribute song honoring the unwavering spirit of volunteerism and service within the Ismaili community. The song is written by Zulfiqar Ali Jessani, sung by Azmeena Nazimuddin and Moez Narsi and produced by Nizar Noorali Kassam. Music is composed by Aqeel Ahmed Khan.

It celebrates the dedication and generosity of many individuals - those in uniform who selflessly serve in day-to-day community tasks and others who support institutions in health, education, rural development, disaster relief, and environmental protection with their time and knowledge.

This presentation utilizes AI-imagined images to tell the story. However the impact and contributions of these remarkable volunteers are very real, embodying the true essence of compassion, service, and making a meaningful difference.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md66ZGU ... e=youtu.be

[kmaherali]

After Spain’s Floods, a Surge of Volunteers, and of Rage

As the country reels from a flood that has left at least 214 people dead, thousands have flocked to devastated areas to help. Anger toward public officials is growing.


Volunteers sweep the mud from a street in the aftermath of the flooding, in Alfafar, near Valencia, Spain on Saturday.Credit...Susana Vera/Reuters

They came by bus, by tractor or on foot. They waded through mud hoping to help clean up neighborhoods washed away by floodwaters that have killed at least 214 people.

Thousands of Spanish citizens made their way to flood-ravaged Valencia over the weekend after the country’s worst natural disaster in recent history left the nation shocked by images of overturned cars and brick homes torn apart by furious water.

The devastation has become a political flashpoint and brought home fears over the effects of climate change. On Sunday morning, as King Felipe VI walked through a crowd in Paiporta, a town in Valencia where more than 60 people died, angry protesters shouted and threw mud.

“Killers!” the crowd shouted, according to video footage shared on Spanish news.

King Felipe was with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, as well as Carlos Mazón, the regional president of Valencia, on whom many residents lay blame for the sending out of official alerts only after the flooding had reached dangerous levels.

Many people in Paiporta, an epicenter of the destruction, are still waiting for basic supplies from emergency services — and for news of their missing loved ones.

On Sunday, the grief, fear and anger erupted into frustration that resources were being used for an official walk-through, while emergency workers were still racing to try to find survivors.

“You abandoned us!” some protesters shouted at the officials, as the men who flanked the king opened black umbrellas to protect him from the mud. “Get out of here!”

But despite the anger at Spanish officials, for many, the most immediate and important response was to lend a hand.

While the military, the police and civil guard officers searched for survivors and cleared debris, civilians joined in the effort wherever they could, determined to help Valencia and surrounding regions rebuild and to help its citizens recover.

On Saturday, a parade of tractors rolled into urban Valencia, a province on Spain’s eastern shoreline, driven by farmers from around the region who had come to help clear debris. “The countryside is once again showing its solidarity,” Valencia’s agricultural association said on social media.

Image
A long line of people wraps around a reflecting pool at an architectural center.

Volunteers line up to learn how best to provide help to those affected by the floods, at the City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia on Saturday.Credit...Nacho Doce/Reuters

With major roads in the Valencia province closed to vehicles, many decided to walk, carrying brooms, rakes and buckets, according to footage aired by Spanish broadcasters. A sea of people crossed the bridge to Paiporta, where mud still clogged the streets after a river burst its banks.

In urban Valencia, the city’s celebrated soccer club offered Mestalla Stadium as an emergency center where citizens could drop off bags of food, clothes and bottles of water. City officials and volunteers also set up a food bank, serving food along the stadium’s main entrance.

“The image of Mestalla filled with people coming together, arriving to donate products, and applauding each time a truck leaves full of food and basic necessities, will be unforgettable,” Javier Solís, the club’s corporate director, said.

Alongside star players like José Gayà and Jaume Doménech, fans and volunteers sorted and packed food destined for devastated neighborhoods. Candela Reig Moril, an industrial engineering student who lives in central Valencia, helped coordinate university students who wanted to help, and ended up working with hundreds of people who wanted to do something for their city.

“Many of them come crying because of this huge, unexpected catastrophe,” Ms. Reig Moril, 21, said. “The little children have even come to deliver their toys. It’s very touching to see everybody so willing to show solidarity.”

Volunteers have used social media or message boards set up in response to the disaster to find out how they can help. They have offered beds for displaced families or shelter for pets and have volunteered their professional skills, from logistics management to cooking.

Image
Two women wearing gloves work to clean a kitchen covered in mud and debris.

Two women clean inside a kitchen as volunteers help residents with recovery efforts after the flood, in Massanassa, just outside of Valencia, on Saturday.Credit...Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Claudia Orts García, a nursing assistant, used a message board to collect food, medication and feminine hygiene products. On Sunday, she and her partner plan to drive from Dénia, a port town south of Valencia city, to the worst affected areas, where they will deliver the donated supplies. Some friends who also wanted to help have asked to ride along. Ms. Orts García said she will also offer medical assistance where possible.

“We will lend a hand in everything that is necessary,” she said.

Amid the rush to help those in need, there was also a wave of criticism directed at the Spanish government. Parts of Valencia were doused in a year’s worth of rain in just eight hours, and some said government warnings came too late. Other victims said rescue workers and the police took too long to respond to the disaster. Dozens were still missing by Saturday.

For Toni Zamorano, who was trapped on the roof of his car for hours as rain fell, the volunteers have become a lifeline. In the town of Sedaví, houses and businesses were completely flooded. Mr. Zamorano said he has lost everything.

Were it not for the volunteers who work from sunrise to sunset, he would not have clothes, food and water, he said. Not only have the volunteers provided the basic necessities, they have also restored his faith in humanity, he said.

“I feel that humanity is still capable of forgetting its differences. Here, race or economic level don’t matter,” he said. “This solidarity makes you feel great, then you close your eyes when you sleep, you remember everything you have seen and you understand the magnitude of this tragedy.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/worl ... teers.html