What is the “Youth Leadership Enhancement Program”?
The “Youth Leadership Enhancement Program” is a new initiative which aims at encouraging community leadership among 23 to 35 years old. The program is being launched to gear up for presentation at the 9th World Zoroastrian Congress to be held in Dubai in 2009.

The objective of launching this program is to build a network of enthusiastic young individuals and create a sustainable pool of next generation leaders that will benefit the community in the long run.

The youth will be mentored by eminent industrialists/entrepreneurs and receive valuable inputs/advice from them. They will be encouraged to support several community causes. What’s important is that the youth will have an opportunity to explore and experience the qualities of leadership, collaboration, entrepreneurship, creativity and community rooted ness.

The application process:

• Youth with commitment to Zoroastrian ideals and ethics, good communication, leadership & team building skills and proven excellence in his/her field of activity will be eligible to apply.
• Acceptable age group is 23 to 35 years.
• Applications will be accompanied by an essay, not exceeding 600 words, on the following topic:
• “A Worldwide Youth Leadership Enhancement Program”

Deadline
Entries must be submitted electronically to WZCYLEP@gmail.com, by 31.3.08 (date extended).

Please see the Program guidelines and Application Form for additional information.

Technology and private sector bringing solutions in financing to impoverished communities

NEW YORK, Feb 15, 2008 – In 2001, the World Bank reported more than 2 billion people lived on less than $2 per day. Why does extreme poverty of this nature still exist given over decades of immense international charitable work? The Zoroastrian delegation intends to address the crux of this question at this year’s CSW on Friday, Feb. 29, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. They will show that the key to this answer is the manner in which development work in impoverished communities has been taking place. The prevalent top-down approach of charity usually empowers the “givers,” in most cases government bodies, as opposed to the individuals in need. The panel will present an example for an alternative approach, namely micro-financing, where the power imbalance is corrected and the true work of development, that is empowering individuals to re-build their own lives and communities, can begin.

…Read the rest of this entry »»»

As posted on www.iranian.ws here: http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_23152.shtml

Nov 9, 2007
CAIS 

Iran’s Archeology Research Center and a team from Warsaw University are studying the fire temple of Azar Borzin Mehr, a quadric-arch.

Archeologists will work to figure out the plan and elevations of the building as well as the cultural elements of the area. Early studies led to the discovery of a dual-purpose space built in the heights near the temple and used as an ablution room.

The group is also studying the firebox and the main hall, in which worshippers circumambulated the sacred fire.

Azar-Borzin Mehr is one of the three major Zoroastrian fire temples belonging to the Sassanian dynasty (224-651 CE) and was used by farmers and villagers.

The Zoroastrian Sports Committee (ZSC) is proud to announce that the 11th annual Zarathushti Games will be held in the beautiful city of San Diego, California, USA from July 2nd thru July 6th, 2008.

All Zarathushti athletes throughout the globe are encouraged to participate in these games. Participation in these games have increased significantly since its inception and the ZSC anticipates the 2008 games to be the most successful games ever.  Prove your muscle in volleyball, track, basketball, table tennis in Sunny Southern California.

All Zarathushti Associations of the world are requested to spread the word to their members. More information and specifics will be forwarded in the near future.

Visit our website:  http://www.zathletics.com/ for more up-to-date information about registration, qualifications, events and venue.

Fellow Zoroastrians,

It is with great pride that I inform you that our very own Zoroastrian singer and song writer,  Shayan Italia today releases his debut single “Reflection.”  On 13th of October 2007 his “Reflection” music video was at 4th position in the TV Airplay Chart, having had 301 plays that week.  You can watch the music video on Shayan’s site http://www.shayanitalia.com/.

Many Zoroastrians heard Shayan performing for the first time at the Zoroastrian Centre for Europe during the 8th World Zoroastrian Congress in June 2005.   He impressed members of the community both young and old with his talent, to the extent that he was requested to perform for a second time on the closing day of the conference.

I urge you all to purchase Shayan’s single and help propel him to the top of the singles chart.  Please promote him to all your family and friends and support this young and upcoming Zoroastrian artist.  We wish Shayan great success in his endeavour.

Paurushasp B. Jila
President
Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe Inc.
http://www.ztfe.com/

New York, NY, Feb. 27, 2007 –ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK (ZAGNY) today announced that Zoroastrian organizations throughout the United States and Canada will celebrate the important festival of NauRooz (pronounced Noh-Rooz), March 21, 2007, marking the official celebration of the Zoroastrian New Year at the turn of the spring equinox.

ZAGNY will mark the occasion with a prayer ceremony at 4-30 PM on March 21 at ARBAB RUSTAM GUIV DARBE-MEHR, 106 Pomona Road, Suffern, NY 10901.  Get driving directions here.

Media and the public are invited to attend. Please see the full Press Release here: NauRooz2007-ZAGNY.pdf

The more traditional NauRooz celebration takes place on March 24th.