What is CISV?
CISV is a non-profit, non-government, non-religious organization that was developed in 1951 by Doctor Doris Twitchell Allen. The aim of CISV is to promote peace through education and understanding through a variety of programs both locally, nationally and internationally.
Is CISV religious?
No. We openly accept every religion, we allow every belief. For us, religious freedom is just as important as freedom from beliefs.
Is CISV political?
No. We are not encouraged or supported by any political direction. We are open to any political attitude. Different points of view enrich the cultural diversity. Tolerance against other people's ideas promotes living together.
Is there an overview about CISV somewhere?
Yes, in the about us section you can find more detailed information about the organization's structure.
What are the goals of CISV?
The goals of CISV are:
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To give individuals opportunity to learn to live peacefully with many nationalities. CISV seeks to achieve this goal by conducting educational programs and activities. These programs and activities are designed to achieve one or more of the following specific goals:
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That individuals will make close friendships around the world, that is, that countries will become known to them in terms of close friends rather than as abstract places on a map, or as stereotypes built from ignorance or limited experience.
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That individuals will become aware of basic likenesses of all humans, and at the same time that they will come to know and appreciate differences.
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That individuals will acquire an active desire for world peace and a desire to work for it.
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That individuals will acquire skills of communication with individuals and with groups, even when many languages are represented and when no common language exists.
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That individuals will acquire skills of administration and organization.
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That individuals will develop personalities that are essentially free from barriers, for example, essentially free from the barrier of prejudice.
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To contribute, through research, to a science of international relations.
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To cooperate with other groups having similar purposes
(CISV Constitution, 1996).
What issues do you talk about in CISV?
CISV discussions cover all sorts of issues including poverty, race, war, current world events, prejudices, the media, and ethics. Discussions are geared toward the age group that the activity or program is being held for.
What kind of activities do you do in CISV?
CISV Ottawa hosts a variety of activities ranging from running games, cooperation games, trust games, simulation games and light-hearted activities.
A simulation activity is one in which participants role play to help learn about a world situation. These activities are highly researched prior to being conducted. As they often touch on world situations, these activities are always debriefed to ensure that no one is upset upon the completion of the activity.
Is there a cost to participate?
CISV requires that you become a member of CISV Ottawa in order to participate in activities. To join CISV Ottawa or renew your membership, sign up online. The membership application includes CISV Ottawa membership policies if you have any questions.
Family memberships are $130 and individual memberships (for students, young adults living on their own, or Seminar Campers paying their own way) are $50. There is a volunteer membership of $25 for leaders and volunteers for mini-camps and homestays
Each program has a program fee that the delegate is responsible for paying. Personal airfares, travel outfits, vaccinations (if applicable), delegation supplies and costs incurred by the leader are all apart of the delegate’s responsibility. Costs incurred for the delegation and by the leader are split evenly amongst all delegates in the delegation.
How much does it cost to do an international program?
International program costs vary depending on which program you are attending and where the program is being held. If you need additional information, you can contact the Program Coordinator) for more information on specific programs.
Is International Travel a requirement of CISV?
No. Your family may chose to participate only in local or national events. There is never any pressure to participate in any program.
What do all those letters mean?
In CISV, we find ourselves using a lot of acronyms. Here are some CISV acronyms you might hear:
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AIM = Annual International Meeting
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ARM = America’s Regional Members
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CISV = Children’s International Summer Villages
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IC = Interchange
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IJBC = International Junior Branch Conference
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IJR = International Junior Representative
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IO =International Office
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IPP = International Peoples Project
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IYM = International Youth Meeting
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JB = Junior Branch
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JBB = Junior Branch Board
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LMO = Like Minded Organisations
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Merch = CISV Swag/Merchandise
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MWM = Mid Way Meeting
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NA = National Association
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NJR = National Junior Representative
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ReCos = Regional Coordinators
My child doesn't know anybody else in the organization and is reluctant to get involved.
Not a problem. Often when kids arrive for their first camp they feel a little uneasy about being away from home for the weekend. More often than not, this feeling dissipates quickly as your child meets the other kids at camp and meets some new friends.
What is the Junior Branch?
A Junior Branch (JB) is a group of young local members, typically aged 11-25, who are developing intercultural skills, such as awareness of international matters, global environment and social sensitivity, through educational and social activities consistent with CISV's goals. These young people act as a link between other CISV program and activities, and often work together with like-minded organizations (LMOs). The Junior Branch organizes their own programs and activities on a wide variety of themes.
Although they constitute an integral part of the Chapter, Juniors are encouraged to assume administrative responsibility and to be self-governing. International Junior Representatives (IJRs), are elected at the time of CISV's Annual International Meeting (AIM). IJRs inform, coordinate and support all Junior Branches worldwide electronically, enabling them, if they so wish, to focus their activities around themes decided at Regional Meetings or the annual International JB Conference (IJBC).
In Ottawa, the Junior Branch Board coordinates and plans mini-camps as well as local activities for the JB members to attend. All juniors are encouraged to attend JB activities and mini-camps!
What is a JB Meeting?
JB Meetings are generally hosted once a month. They are designed to get the JB Exec, and any other JB Members interested in attending, together to plan upcoming activities and mini-camps.