At Dompet Dhuafa USA, we are honored to be part of a global network united by a shared mission to advance philanthropy and humanitarian efforts. This week, we were deeply inspired by the remarkable work showcased at the Dompet Dhuafa Leader Summit 2024, held on Monday, December 16, in Bogor, Indonesia. The summit, themed “Building a Unified Vision, Collaboration, and Excellence in Performance” brought together over 70 leaders and teams from 25 Dompet Dhuafa branches across Indonesia and beyond, including our own branch in the United States.
Set against the serene backdrop of Bogor’s drizzly weather, the event took place at the Qatar Charity Hall in Zona Madina, the summit provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to align their goals, share innovative ideas, and strengthen the collaborative spirit that unites Dompet Dhuafa’s global network.
A Day of Reflection, Innovation, and Inspiration
The Leader Summit 2024 was a testament to Dompet Dhuafa’s ongoing commitment to making a positive, lasting impact in communities worldwide. Throughout the day, leaders exchanged ideas, celebrated success stories, and discussed new ways to tackle the challenges facing those most in need.
In his keynote address, Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Republika Foundation, inspired attendees with a powerful message about innovation and striving for excellence. He urged all participants to tap into the organization’s potential and continually seek ways to improve.
“We must embrace the spirit of struggle and innovation. By recognizing our strengths, we can unlock even greater potential—some of which we may not yet fully see.” he stated.
His words resonated deeply, reinforcing the importance of zakat and culturally informed approaches to community empowerment as central to our work.
Powerful Stories of Impact
Hearing the stories of success from our fellow branches reaffirmed the power of collaboration and innovation in achieving Dompet Dhuafa’s mission.
Dompet Dhuafa Banten highlighted their economic empowerment program through celery farming on 2 hectares of land. They also highlighted their groundbreaking mental health program, Rumah Konseling Aku Temanmu (Counseling House Aku Temanmu), which is a collaboration with Dompet Dhuafa USA. This initiative, which focuses on raising awareness and providing support for mental health, was recently honored with an SDGs Award for its transformative impact on communities.
These stories of success underscore the collective strength of Dompet Dhuafa’s global network. Whether in Indonesia or the United States, our work is driven by a shared vision of creating lasting positive change for those in need.
Building Unity and Optimism
The summit also fostered a sense of optimism and unity among participants. Leaders reflected on the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and the value of collaboration in achieving shared goals.
Zahron, Branch Leader of Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta, expressed the significance of these gatherings: “National meetings like these remind us of the incredible diversity of challenges and opportunities within our organization. It’s inspiring to share insights and gain new perspectives from our peers and mentors,”
For Dompet Dhuafa USA, the Rumah Konseling Aku Temanmu program stands as a shining example of the power of cross-border collaboration. It highlights how partnerships within the organization can address critical issues like mental health, which remains a key area of focus for us.
Looking to the Future: Strengthening Our Shared Mission
The 2024 Leader Summit was not only a reflection of Dompet Dhuafa’s past achievements, but also a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to humanitarian work. It strengthened our resolve to continue innovating, collaborating, and striving for excellence in all our efforts. With renewed energy and a unified vision, we are excited to contribute even more to Dompet Dhuafa’s global mission.
From the United States to Indonesia and beyond, Dompet Dhuafa is making strides in empowering communities, building resilience, and creating sustainable, positive change. The insights and inspiration we gained from this summit will drive our work forward as we continue to improve lives and uplift communities.
At Dompet Dhuafa USA, we are excited to bring the lessons learned and successes of this summit into our programs and initiatives. By working together with our global partners, we are confident that we can make a lasting difference—one initiative, one community, and one life at a time.
Together, we can create a brighter future for those who need it most.