Ismaili CIVIC—an initiative that began in Canada to cultivate civic engagement and service—expanded globally to 16 countries, after the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum decided to take Ismaili CIVIC global in March 2020.
The new members include Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, Portugal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the Far East region.
Although plans for a Global Ismaili CIVIC Day were deferred because of COVID-19, international initiatives are underway. In August 2020, Ismaili CIVIC Singapore partnered with Masks for All SG, a community-driven call encouraging citizens of Singapore to wear face masks during the pandemic. In September 2020, Ismaili CIVIC in Kenya donated hand sanitizer bottles, surface sanitizer, and face-masks to Mombasa’s police force.
Launched in Canada in 2017, Ismaili CIVIC unites Ismaili volunteers to improve quality of life in their communities. Canadian Ismaili CIVIC initiatives range from tree planting and food bank drives to sewing and donating cloth masks to community organizations during the pandemic. During the Diamond Jubilee of His Highness the Aga Khan, Canadian volunteers contributed over 1.2 million hours of service.
Although Ismailis worldwide were already volunteering within their communities, Ismaili CIVIC links such service under a global umbrella, says Farid Damji, international Ismaili CIVIC lead. “We can celebrate our true ethics and values, which are to give back to the community and make a contribution to the world.”
