International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS)
Website: http://www.ifsnetwork.org/
Category: Development
Year of Foundation: 1922
Location of Foundation: London, UK
Location of Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Brief Description: IFS describes itself as 'a global movement that connects community organizations that represent and respond to the different needs, strengths and aspirations of families and communities. Its mission is to build an inclusive global community by empowering, inspiring and connecting people who are working locally for social justice.' (Source: www.ifsnetwork.org; accessed 14 April 2010).
Founding Rationales:
At the First International Conference of Settlements held at Toynbee Hall, Whitechapel, in July 1922, Lord Milner stated: 'We all feel that the members of Settlements all over the world are one body, working for the same object, though no doubt with great differences in method, and that the success of one is an asset to all. Settlements all over the world must try to keep in touch with one another, and to learn from one another, in order that the advance of the whole army may be more or less in line.' A special session held on 14 July 1922 established the Continuation Committee of the International Conference of Settlements with the following objectives: 'to maintain and develop, on a strictly non-political basis, the relations already established between the Settlements in different countries: (a) by providing for the systematic interchange of information in regard to national developments in the Settlement movement; (b) by facilitating personal intercourse between Settlements in the various countries; (c) by preparing for a fully representative International Conference in 1925; (d) by taking such other action as may promote the social reforms for which the Settlements are working.'
Source: Continuation Committee of the International Conference of Settlements, 'Settlements and their Outlook: An Account of the First International Conference of Settlements, Toynbee Hall, London, July 1922' (Westminster: P. S. King and Son, 1922), pp. 13-14, 183.
Evolution of Membership (countries with members):
Source: YIO