The objectives for the event were to internalize the link between the Institution of the Imamat and Imamat Institutions; improve the understanding of the Imamat Institutional landscape, and its growth over 60 years; define institutional stabilization and brainstorm how to achieve this goal across multiple platforms, both here in the United States and across the globe.
“I think the message to the USA jamat is that the Jubilee in one’s life is transformational,” said Council for USA President, Dr. Barkat Fazal. “One needs to look into where we started our journey from and where we are headed in the future…and the Jubilee provides a trampoline to get to a level that otherwise we would not reach in our normal lives.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner welcomed the group with a special letter for the participants. He emphasized that “Houston is an excellent site for your meetings, reflecting the pluralistic values that His Highness has so earnestly spoken about for the past 59 years.”
With approximately 600 people in attendance, the young volunteers were the backbone of the organization. They were instrumental in implementing the event, and every detail was taken care of by the young project team managers."For the youth, we had them lead and we made them part of our core team. We had them lead hospitality and registration, rather than just come and be a volunteer, and that empowered them to be able to own their position and take it more to heart," said 28 yea-old DJO Project Manager, Zaibnish Ali.
There were several different group sessions to provide greater insight into the Diamond Jubilee goals, including Poverty Alleviation, Institutional stabilization and global institutional priorities/initiatives, Civic Engagement, Institution of Imamat (ideas /connection to STEP Faith and Practice), Transformational Experience for college students and young professionals, re-engaging families, Diamond Jubilee Opening Ceremony planning, and a session to discuss one’s personal preparation for Diamond Jubilee.
“The excitement going into the Diamond Jubilee Orientation weekend was tremendous at all levels,” said Southwest Council President Murad Ajani. “For the leadership teams and Mukhi and Kamadia Sahebaan, the significance and anticipation of this year was quickly becoming a reality with the orientation serving as the launch. What was satisfying to see was the enthusiasm we felt with the volunteers and the Jamat.”
Said Chairman of ITREB, Al-Karim Alidina, “At the end of the day, I think the one key thing we have to come to understand.... We are a faith based community so our relationship, our work, everything that we do. is predicated on that individual relationship that we have with the Imam of the time. ”
"Volunteering at DJO was quite a unique opportunity. DJO was the first of many Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and I got to be a part of it. During the time I served at the registration booth as well as the hospitality desk,” said 16 year-old Shanil Jasani from Beaumont, Texas. “Being a part of DJO is something I am proud of because I can say that I have been serving since the very beginning of the Jubilee year, and it inspires me to continue serving. “
"As hospitality desk co-lead during DJO, my responsibility was to ensure any questions our attendees had went unanswered, and to keep the flow of the event moving,” commented 25 year-old Sonya Ali from Sugar Land, Texas. “From welcoming the attendees on Friday to saying farewell on Sunday, the weekend was filled with countless smiles, thank you's and laughter. I hope to have more opportunities like such in the future."
Participants left with a great understanding of the Diamond Jubilee objectives, and its significance for the Jamat, as well as being inspired and excited about the celebrations and events planned for the coming year.
