“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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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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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.
