NASIMCO

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

About Us


NASIMCO is an umbrella organization for the followers of the Shia faith in North America and the Carribean. Its mission is to provide a common structure and framework to meet the religious, cultural and political needs of the Shia within its area of operation.

SCOPE
NASIMCO exists to enhance social and religious excellence of Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri communities in North America.

VISION
Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri communities in North America are caring communities

MISSION
NASIMCO will harness talents and resources available in member communities for the greater good of global humanity and our communities.

ROLE
  1. Assist in the establishment and running of centres where our communities reside and promote continuous improvement of member communities through sharing of best practices.
  2. Encourage, promote and nurture our communities to alleviate human suffering throughout the world.
  3. Promote and encourage innovative intra-faith and inter-faith relationships at local and national levels.
  4. Develop and nurture relationships with our Marja'iat, and world and regional Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri bodies.
  5. Provide support on issues affecting Islamic Shia Ithnaasheri communities.
  6. Establish and/or support Islamic institutes of higher learning that can respond to the needs of our communities.
VALUES
In all our activities, we will be guided by Islamic values that will include but not limited to:
  • Sincerity and Humility
  • Honesty and Integrity
  • Commitment and Steadfastness
  • Unity and Teamwork
  • Open and respectful
  • Hardwork and excellence
  • Equity and Justice
  • Transparency and Accountability

Input from Edmonton Conference(2004):
  1. Promote continuous improvement of our member communities through sharing of best practices.
    1. Establish structure and process to deal with conflicts among community members.
    2. Establish network to help standardize contents of lectures among Aalim and Zakirs to make them relevant to our needs.
    3. Improve existing madrasah system.
    4. Make NASIMCO a household name by improving overall communication.
    5. Carry out census of our communities.
    6. Develop a Manual of Best Practices in running Jamaat affairs.

  2. Help in the establishment and running of centres where our communities reside.
    1. Guide Jamaats in new ways of doing business
    2. Encourage volunteerism across the communities

  3. Encourage, promote and nurture our communities in the service of humanity.
    1. Establish a structure and process for match-making among community girls and boys.
    2. Establish a 'Youth Network'
    3. Explore a 'Womens Network' that can involve more women in community affairs.
    4. Provide support to improve communication between parents and children
    5. Plan for the aging of our population within the community
    6. Establish 'Career Counselling' network
    7. Explore ways to finance student education
    8. Establish structure to carry out social services work locally and internationally
    9. Establish group health coverage for US residents
    10. Mentor upcoming community leaders
    11. Encourage good governance practices including self-assessment of Jamaat leaders.

  4. Promote and encourage innovative intra-faith and inter-faith relationships as local and national levels.
    1. Establish capacity within Jamaats to carry out tabligh work
    2. Establish capacity among communities for inter-faith discussions

  5. Develop and nurture relationships with our Marja and the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-asheri Muslim Communities.
    1. Define ways to communicate with our Marja periodically

  6. Develop and promote initiatives that would ensure financial sustainability of our communities.
    1. Establish process to rank capital projects in North America
    2. Tap into available funds from government or other benefactoring entities
    3. Improve financial base of the community

  7. Act as a unified voice of Islamic Shia Ithn-asheri communities in matters affecting our communities.
    1. Establish a "Communications Portfolio" with a defined structure and process that can respond to the emerging media issues affecting our communities
    2. Develop a communication package to help new immigrants settle in new lands.
    3. Mobilize human resources among the community to help with issues effecting our communities.

  8. Establish Islamic institutes of higher learning that can respond to the needs of our communities.
    1. Provide 'outreach' facility for community youth and adults
    2. Promote Islam among non-Muslims

Input from Minnesota Conference(2005):

MOVING FORWARD ON NASIMCO DIRECTION

  1. Be clear on NASIMCO and Jamaat expectations and establish accountability
  2. Appoint a NASIMCO representative in every Jamaat (eg Jamaat VP)
  3. Promote NASIMCO to local Jamaats (road trips, marketting, etc)
  4. Pick and establish success with a well defined project limited in scope
  5. Create multi-level communication without undermining local leadership
  6. Help Local Jamaats become stronger

Input from Toronto Conference(2006):

AREAS OF PRIORITY FOR NASIMCO IN 2006-2009

  1. CUP - Community Upliftment Project
  2. Burial Scheme
  3. One voice for Muslims
  4. Skills databse & Census
  5. Matchmaking
  6. Reach to non khoja shia communities