The Zoroastrians Stepping Forward initiative was born from a NextGenNow (NGN) session at the Fifth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in Vancouver, 2011. Our goal is to raise awareness for those in need, particularly with a focus on shoes as an essential accessory to survival. Together, we can make a difference locally by addressing a global cause. Our leadership team, in collaboration with members of the NGN leadership team, is grateful for your time in reviewing our appeal for participation in the First Annual Zoroastrian Day of Service.

Many of us take shoes for granted. They ease our mobility and act as an accessory. But could you imagine living without them—working on a farm, going to school, or traveling along hot roads, don’t we all need best work shoes for standing on concrete? Please join us this holiday season and on the First Annual Zoroastrian Day of Service, to be held on May 5th, 2012.

We are asking for your support in making the Day of Service a success. Organize a day of fun with your community! Collect gently used shoes and help raise funds, for this important cause. There are many activities you can do, including: a sports day, picnic, silent auction or a community walk.

After collecting the gently used shoes, decide on where you can donate locally to make a difference. Choose from homeless shelters, to women’s shelters, orphanages, community organizations, YMCAs, Amvets, Goodwill, and those within your Zoroastrian community who may benefit.

We look forward to sending you more details in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us at zoroastrianssteppingforward@gmail.com or 626.378.5564 for more information.

On behalf of the Zoroastrians Stepping Forward and NGN leadership teams, we thank you for your time, interest and consideration. This project means a lot to many of us and we hope it means just as much to you. As Zarathushtra once said, “Taking the first footstep with a good thought, the second with a good word and the third with a good deed, I entered Paradise.”