Dawoodi Bohras Partner with California Volunteers to Combat Climate Change

The Dawoodi Bohra community in California is partnering with the California Volunteers Fund and California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, on a statewide initiative focused on unifying organizations and people from various backgrounds - including faith-based communities, youth volunteers, and environmental organizations - in an effort to enhance environmental stewardship throughout the state and build community.

As the effects of climate change become more manifest in different parts of the world, it is vital for every individual to step up and take ownership of tackling the crisis for future generations. One important step in that fight is to work with and empower local communities.

This partnership stems from the Dawoodi Bohras’ love for the environment, inspired by Islamic principles that emphasize the preservation of the natural world. The earth and its resources, as the Holy Quran teaches, are precious bounties from the Almighty, and safeguarding them is a responsibility that falls upon every individual. The Dawoodi Bohra community’s commitment to environmental stewardship thus, is reflected in decades of sustainability advocacy, collective service, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to meaningful causes. Inspired by His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the Dawoodi Bohras consistently work to uphold the values of unity, service, and environmental care.

The Dawoodi Bohras have deep roots in California, a state that has been home to one of the largest Dawoodi Bohra populations in the United States since the 1950s, comprising thousands of members across six centers throughout the state. It is also the North American Headquarters of the Community’s national leadership which administers over 30 congregations across the country.

This partnership will help sponsor the procurement of trees and native plants, multiple Community Climate Action Days and support for the Climate Action Counts Campaign, which aims to engage one million Californians in impactful climate action. The campaign encourages sustained efforts to ensure climate action remains relevant and continuous in local communities. These efforts look to educate and empower individuals so as to effect a change in their daily lives to form a more holistic approach to conservation. Key initiatives include: 

• Supporting the planting of over 3,000 native trees and plants across the state.
• Supporting urban greening, composting, and food waste reduction efforts.
• Helping unify communities throughout California through Community Climate Action Days.

“Climate change affects all of us, and only collective effort will help us combat it. That’s why the Dawoodi Bohras are proud to partner with California Volunteers, Office of Governor Newsom on this Community Climate Action Day, which helps unify Californians in collective action to enhance our environment and nurture green spaces for the benefit of all,” said Aliasger Najam, Director of Outreach for the Dawoodi Bohra community.

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday echoed this sentiment, stating:

“Together, we are building stronger, more resilient communities and we need everyone involved. I think we’re sending a powerful message. We have people from all backgrounds, all ages, we have people that want to make the world a better place. And we’re doing this together. When it comes to this existential climate crisis, we are not powerless.”

The Dawoodi Bohra community remains committed to protecting the environment and raising awareness among the wider community of the need for environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

The Dawoodi Bohras, alongside California Volunteers, are grateful to work hand-in-hand with our neighbors to enhance and preserve our shared environment. This collaboration is part of Project Rise, a global Dawoodi Bohra initiative that mobilizes community volunteers in service to humanity through environmental stewardship, education support, food security programs, and health initiatives. Building on this successful partnership in California, we look forward to widening the scope of our community service efforts across America, joining hands with local organizations and local and state governments nationwide to strengthen neighborhoods through diverse service projects. Through shared values of service and caring for our communities, we can create lasting positive change that touches lives across the country.