Skip to: site menu | section menu | main content
A short introduction to CISV
Affiliated with UNESCO as a Non Government Organization, CISV has established its credentials globally as a reputable youth exchange organization, through which, since 1951, over 150,000 delegates from more than 60 countries have participated in more than 4,000 official international program activities.
CISV is the outcome of an inspirational idea and an unquenchable belief in the future of mankind. As a charitable, independent, non-political, volunteer organization promoting peace eductaion and cross-cultural friendship, CISV is unique -- the majority of its programs are conducted for 11-16 years olds, whilst most youth exchange programmes begin at 16.
The CISV story
Children's International Summer Villages was founded in 1950 by Dr. Doris Allen as an independent, non-political volunteer organization promoting peace education and cross-cultural friendship. CISV has grown from a conviction that peace is possible if individuals and groups can learn to live together as friends.
Doris Allen passionately believed that if children were able to form meaningful friendships across ethnic and religious barriers before they were influenced by received prejudices, they could ultimately act as a source of leadership, working actively towards respect for cultural diversity, human rights and the physical environment.
What is CISV's purpose?
CISV endeavours to stimulate the development of intercultural respect, international understanding and cooperative skills within individuals to prepare them for effective leadership roles in creating a peaceful society. In 1956 a Constitution was adopted which created CISV as an International Association with affiliated National Associations committed to:
- Providing opportunities for individuals to learn by experience to live amicably with others irrespective of cultural background.
- Contributing through research and experience to a science of international relations and non-violent conflict resolution.
- Complementing and cooperating with like-minded organizations.
How does CISV work?
CISV operates primarily through education, offering young people who exhibit cooperative skills, communication ability and leadership potential the chance to become fully involved in CISV peace education programmes. CISV programmes are based on the premise that there is hope for the future and that actions of individuals can and do have significance in community, national and international affairs. Emphasizing friendship, CISV educates through action, stressing co-operation rather than competition in activities based upon organizational goals of inspirational and educational value. CISV experiences form an important component in developing a global perspective and philosophy in life and desire to work for peace.
The 11 year old's village is currently the foundation for CISV. Invitations to other events are provided to Chapters, on the basis that they run village events every 4 years or so. Students are free to join CISV at any stage, however CISV participants and their families are encouraged to support a local village. There are also a number of international networking benefits that students get by a continued involvement in the organisation.
Who works in CISV?
CISV's International work is accomplished via a network of local, national and international members of all ages who serve as volunteers in conjunction with the staff members at the International Office.
