CISV for over 50 years “ . . . the ultimate source for peace, long range, lay with the children. ” Dr. Doris T. Allen, founder of CISV

Information Night Agenda Introduction to CISV Review of Programs Offered by CISV Villages Interchange Summer Camp Others Junior Branch Local Work. Why Participate? Deadlines, contacts, next step

CISV – A Unique Organization “Even brief exposure to a different culture may stimulate a lifelong interest in events in that country and its region” 1998 American Council: “Educating for Global Competence” Educational Run almost entirely by volunteers Youth organization offering intercultural programmes for different age groups, starting from 11 Promoting peace education and cross-cultural friendship Based on years of research and firm educational principles Independent and non-political Not for profit Participatory status with Council of Europe

Our Goals CISV is committed to: “Habits of attitude and action take root in early years.” Dr. Doris T. Allen, UNESCO proposal CISV is committed to: providing an opportunity for individuals to learn by experience to live amicably with others irrespective of cultural background; contributing through research to a science of international relations and non-violent conflict resolution; cooperating with other organizations having similar purposes.

CISV History “We must start with the children” Dr. Doris T. Allen CISV was conceived in 1946 by founder Dr. Doris Allen, a psychologist at the University of Cincinnati (USA) She believed that lasting peace would be possible if individuals and groups from different nations could learn to live together as friends The key was to start working with children and youth The very first Children’s International Summer Village took place in Cincinnati, USA in 1951

Unique Intercultural Programmes “Exchanges use education and experience to build ties” Alliance for International Education And Cultural Exchange A range of CISV International programmes suitable for different age groups 1. Village (11 years) 2. Interchange (12-15) 3. International Summer Camp (13-15) 4. Seminar Camp (17-18) 5. International Youth Meeting (11-19+) 6. International People’s Project (19+) Local programmes in Waterloo Region to involve people of all ages 1. Local Work (all ages) 2. Junior Branch (11-25)

Learning by Doing “People learn more effectively by doing things themselves. Experiences should be direct, not second- hand.” Dr. Doris T. Allen, UNESCO proposal Experiential education approach – the opportunity to learn from direct experience Programmes are interactive, action - oriented, sensitive to cultural variation, multi - lingual and – fun! Participant and facilitator share responsibility for learning Cooperation rather than competition

Since 1951… From one to six different types of international activity “By bringing young people together in a spirit of tolerance and understanding, we help lay the foundation for a peaceful tomorrow.” UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s greeting to CISV’s Seoul Symposium, 2000 From one to six different types of international activity From one village to around 180 international programmes a year Almost 4700 international activities Over 177,000 participants Thousands more have participated in local programmes East-West exchanges, even during the Cold War International Educational Symposia and training workshops around the world A network of dedicated and diverse volunteers, linked by their common goals and values ”50 Years of Educating for Peace and Global Friendship” (2001, page 4) 1951 - 2001

CISV Today Affiliates in over 60 countries and 200 communities globally Each year approximately 7,000 people participate in international activities CISV global membership is over 40,000 A multinational network of youth, adults and families A model of international dialogue, decision-making and cooperation

CISV World-Wide . . .full members in 49 countries Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Bulgaria Canada Chile Colombia Costa Rica Czech Republic Denmark Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Faroe Isles Finland France Germany Great Britain Greece Guatemala Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Israel Italy Japan Jordan Korea Latvia Lebanon Luxembourg Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Philippines Portugal Slovakia Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey Uruguay USA

CISV World-Wide . . .and still growing CISV’s 18 Promotional Associations are in: Algeria China Estonia Greenland Kenya Lithuania Malaysia Mali Mongolia Palau Peru Poland Romania Russia Singapore Slovenia Ukraine Vietnam

Impact of CISV… …based on our longitudinal research “. . .CISV gave me a confidence in meeting other people. . . and a faith that we could find common ground. It’s also given me empathy for people dealing with my culture here at home.” A research respondent over 95% of the respondents felt that their CISV participation had been influential in developing their awareness of other people and different cultures; or creating favourable attitudes towards people who may have initially seemed to be ‘different’ 75% felt participation in CISV had developed leadership and cooperative abilities 95% agreed that CISV had provided “something that I would never have learned at school”

Impact of CISV… …based on our longitudinal research “CISV gave me the possibility to open myself to other people, to understand other points of view, to dream, to believe in myself and other people.” A research respondent 35% of respondents had taken additional language courses A great majority of respondents felt that CISV participation had influenced their friendships; and the development of cross cultural communication skills CISV participants typically continue in education for several years after the compulsory age

Village Age group: 11 Participants: Programme: Duration: 28 days “We must start with the children” Dr. Doris T. Allen Age group: 11 Participants: Delegations from 12 countries 2 girls, 2 boys and an adult leader (21+) 6 Junior Counsellors (age 16-17) 5 adult staff Programme: unique international camp the original CISV programme and still its flagship a multi - language experience mix of educational, cultural and sporting activities, emphasises cooperative global and intercultural living. Duration: 28 days

A Typical Village Day “Fantasy land”, running games, “National Nights”, cooperation games, kitchen duty… Typical camp activities Time Activity 8:00 am Wake up 8:20 am Flag time 8:30 am Breakfast then Cleaning 10:00 am Activity period I 10:45 am Activity period II 11:45 am Free time 12:30 pm Lunch (Shop open, rest period) 14:15 pm Activity period III 15:15 pm Activity period IV 16:30 pm Free time (Leaders’ meeting and programme planning) 17:45 pm Dinner 18:30 pm Delegation time 19:30 pm Evening programme (Flag time) 21:00 pm Snack time 21:30 pm Bedtime 22:00 pm Good night, lights out

Village Programme Goals To help participants to learn to understand and appreciate different cultures Educational, cultural and sporting activities emphasising cooperative intercultural living 11-year old children still open and receptive to new experiences Provide an experience in active co-existence by creating a model society where participants can learn to consider and cooperate with others in activities and practical work Provide the opportunity to participate creatively in decision making

Interchange Age range: 12-15 Participants: Programme: “Exchange programs broaden mutual respect and understanding and advance productive cooperation” Alliance for International Education And Cultural Exchange Age range: 12-15 Participants: Delegations from two countries 6 to12 young delegates + an adult leader (21+) Programme: Encourages a deeper understanding of another culture By enabling young people to live as family members Group activities also included Single sex Interchanges possible when culturally appropriate Duration: 2 to 4 weeks over 1 or 2 years

A Typical Interchange Calendar Interchange has no typical day –the theme and agenda are determined by the leaders, delegates and parents of the hosting chapter. All activities emphasize learning by doing. Day Activity Sat Arrival Sun Family time and welcome party Mon Family time Tue Mini Camp Wed Thu Fri Family weekend Group activity Group activity, National Evening and delegation time Family (time to say good bye to the family) Farewell Party Departure

International Youth Meeting Age range: 12-13 and 16-18 Participants: Delegations from 5 countries 6 young delegates + an adult leader (21+) Programme: Encourages leadership opportunities Establishes and deepens global friendships and awareness Group activities are designed and led by delegates with the help of leaders Duration: 8 or 15 days

International Summer Camp “. . .CISV had taught me tolerance, understanding, conversation skills, stereotypes we all posses…by being aware of it. It made me a better person.” A former CISV participant Age range: 13-15 Participants: Delegations from 6 or 9 countries 4 to 6 delegates + an adult leader (21+) Programme: Delegates assume responsibility for planning and conducting activities Each camp focuses on a specific educational theme Promote understanding of people from other cultures Single gender camps possible when culturally appropriate Duration: 3 weeks

Summer Camp Goals Help participants learn the value of consideration for and cooperation with their fellow campers Encourage youth to take initiative towards leadership and programme responsibility Overcome prejudices Build self-confidence Stimulate critical thinking

Seminar Camp Age range: 17-18 Participants: Programme: “Friendship often provides the significant emotional event which makes the CISV education experience permanent” A CISV Volunteer Age range: 17-18 Participants: 30 youth + 5 international staff members (21+) Programme: Actively conducted by participants Participants encouraged to form opinions about individual, international and intercultural matters Develops positive conflict resolution skills Fosters an interest in the world as a whole Duration: 3 weeks Quote from Annual Report 1996, page 4

International People’s Project (IPP) Age range: 19+ Participants: 25 including staff (21+) Programme: a way to learn while actively contributing to the community run in partnership with local organizations hands-on work around a specific theme or project delegates research the subject in their own countries they lead and participate in educational activities on the topic Duration: 3 weeks

Goals of IPP Give participants the opportunity to become aware of challenges to society in a real life setting to experience different ways of dealing with them Conduct an international, politically non-biased project, in cooperation with partner organisations Learn how participating nations deal with the chosen theme Make a contribution to the life of a local community Promote intercultural interaction and cooperation Empower participants to use and develop their practical and inter-personal skills

Junior Branch …youth involvement on all levels Age range: 11-25 For youth members of CISV, run by youth members of CISV Between one and two activities per month Opportunity at the local level to learn about CISV goals and philosophies such as the importance of cross cultural understanding and cooperation and make friendships with other local participants Activities may be in the form of discussions, movies, games, excursions or guest speakers Balance of educational activities, community involvement, social activities and family activities Encourage everyone to come out!

More Information! Check out www.cisvwaterloo.org Check out www.cisv.ca Check out www.cisv.org More information – please e-mail cisvwaterloo@gmail.com or visit our website

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