council of international fellowship 2017 organizational report...cif organizational report 2017...

Council of International Fellowship

2017 Organizational Report

www.cifinternational.com

2 CIF Organizational report 2017

Executive Summary

This is the fifth Annual Report of CIF International. The Executive Committee, together with

the Board of Directors and CIF members, has looked back at the objectives set in 2017, the

progress we have made `

The mission from the Statutes is our guideline to set objectives and translate these into

actions. We would like to discuss these ideas with the Board of Directors and look forward to

receiving their input. This document is updated every year, considering progress,

discussions and your input. During the next Board Meeting in Vienna, Austria, we will give

an update on our progress.

2017 CIF Executive Committee Members

In September 2017, EC elections took place in Kalamata, Greece. The new EC will serve the

organization until August 2019, when new elections will be held. Members are:

Mireille Boucher (France) President

David Scheele (Netherlands) Vice President

Astrid Sehmer (Germany) Treasurer

Demet Gulaldi (Turkey) Secretary

Merja Niemelä (Finland) Member at Large

Margit Randaru (Estonia) Member at Large

See page 8 for tasks and duties of the EC members.

We thank the EC members who left: Rabia Ozbas-Durak, Gabi Kronberger and Michael

Cronin for their commitment, collegiality and hard work for many years.

BD meeting 2017

The Executive Committee Meeting and the Board of Directors Meeting took place in

September 2017 in Kalamata, Greece, before the start of the International CIF Conference.

We thank CIF Hellas for the organization of both the meetings and the Conference.


Some highlights from the BD meeting:

Communication

During the BD meeting in Utrecht 2016, it was agreed that a follow-up workshop on

communication would be given. The BD meeting started with that subject.

The target of the workshop in Kalamata was awareness of good communication. Small

groups were formed which discussed the elements of good communication.

Home work was also given for the days of the meeting:

Observe GOOD COMMUNICATION during the BD meeting and write down on Post-it what

elements it had.

In this way, good communication was a subject during the whole meeting.

On Monday morning, As a follow-up on Fridays’ workshop, communication was again on the

agenda.

Good practices that came out are:

Attitudes, respect, awareness, acceptance

Listen

Clearness

Be present

Patience, time

Re-check

Know each other, know the audience

Body language, nonverbal communication

patience

Involve every member.

Comments:

Face to face contact is usually good, digital communication is more difficult, as you cannot

see the body language, hear no tone of voice. English is for many people not their native

language. Speaking clearly and slowly is important in that respect.

Preparation for meetings is also important for both, organizers and participants.

CIF Logo

A logo team was formed in 2016 in Utrecht, as the new proposed log was not accepted by

several Branches. The BD decided that a new logo team should work on alternative

proposals. They presented new possible logos, which were sent to the NB’s to be voted

upon. The 4 most popular logos were presented in BD in Kalamata and voted upon. The

result was, that the old Logo was the most popular. This then will be the logo to be used by

CIF International and all the Branches.


As it was decided that all will use the exact same logo, this means that branches who have

altered this logo with a map or name etc., will have to change that logo to this one.

Future of CIF

This is a newly initiated project. Main goals are: where is CIF going in the next 10 years and

how will PEPs and conferences be affected, where are we in ten years’ time and how will we

get there?

To accomplish this project, a new committee (working group) was formed: ‘CIF 2028’ They

have worked hard and the results will be discussed at the BD meeting 2018 in Vienna

We thank the Branches for their participation and for preparing their activity report: AAR

2017. This gives us information and enables us to get an overview of everything that is

happening in the associated countries. Many thanks also to the Branches with a professional

exchange program (PEP) to fill out the FER.

You find the results of the analysis of the AARs and FERs in this document.

Mireille Boucher

President CIF International

July 2018

EC team 2017-2019


Contents

Executive Summary .................................................. 2

Contents ......................................................................... 5

CIF Organizational Objectives ............................... 6

Organizational Breakdown ...................................... 7

Executive Committee 2017-2019 tasks and duties 8

Committees .................................................................. 9

Finances ......................................................................... 10

Grants 2017.................................................................. 11

Report on the peace projects 2017 .............. 12

World News Magazine ............................................... 13

CIF Worldwide ............................................................. 13

Professional Exchange Programs (PEP) in 2017 16

CIF PEP: Benefits and Experiences ..................... 17

Summary of the CIF Branch activities .......... 19

CIF International Conference 2017 ..................... 22


CIF Organizational Objectives

A) To maintain and facilitate relations, provide learning opportunities and the exchange

of work and cultural experiences among its participants, members, host families and

anyone else involved in the activities of the Organization and its National Branches.

B) To promote and support the organization of a two-yearly International Conference,

establishment of new National Branches or, where this is not possible, a Contact

Person.

C) To support the organization of International Professional Exchange Programs that

combine practical and theoretical information about the social and cultural

environment of the host country.

D) To support recruitment and selection of new participants in CIF International

Professional Exchange Programs and CIPUSA Programs, encourage their participation

in the activities of the Organization and become members.

Purpose

The Organization is a private and not for profit, politically and religiously independent

Organization.

Its purpose is to promote professional, cross-cultural and educational exchange for those

working in the field of social services. The learning and sharing generated by the exchange

provides opportunities for broadening professional as well as personal development and so

contributes to peace and understanding.

The Organization works in collaboration with other entities sharing the same core values

and respecting Human Rights, guaranteeing equal treatment to all as agreed upon in the

United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.


Organizational Breakdown

General Assembly

The General Assembly is the highest body of the organization and consists of all CIF

members. To be a member of CIF one must be an alumnus of a CIF, CIP, or CIPUSA

program or an ISP program. Members can also be individual professionals in social work,

social welfare, human services and closely related fields, who support the objectives of CIF.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors (BD) consists of the Presidents of the National CIF Branches and a

representative from CIPUSA.

The Board of Directors decides upon ongoing policy and priorities, policy implementation

and the allocation of financial resources under the broad policy and priority guidelines

established by the Organization.

BD meeting, September 2017

4


Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is elected by the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee is

authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Directors, in accordance with the policy,

programs, projects and general guidelines of the organization. The Committee executes

decisions of the Board of Directors and takes care of the ongoing day-to-day business.

The Executive Committee consists of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the

Treasurer and two Members at Large. The position of president, secretary and treasurer are

fixed roles with their own related duties.

Executive Committee 2017-2019 tasks and duties

The former EC met in May 2017 in Helsinki, to prepare the EC and BD meetings for

September. The present EC was elected in September 2017 in Kalamata, Greece.

The new EC met for the first time in October 2017 in St. Florent sur Cher, France.

In the picture the EC members: Astrid, Demet, Mireille, David, Margit and Merja. The last person is Christelle,

member of CIF France.

The new EC has divided the several tasks amongst the EC members as follows:

President Mireille Boucher - France

National Branch Projects

European Project

Annual Report.


Vice President David Scheele - Netherlands

Branch development & contact persons

Annual Report

Involvement of new participants without NB or CP.

Secretary Demet Gulaldi - Turkey

Guidelines coordination.

Treasurer Astrid Sehmer - Germany

Finance and Budget.

Member at Large Merja Niemela - Finland

Grants (Conference – BD)

PR (Website management – Social media)

Peace projects coordination.

Member at Large Margit Randaru - Estonia.

PEP coordination

EC liaison for The Future of CIF 2028 committee.

Committees

CIF had various active committees in 2017:

Election Committee

The Election Committee is a permanent committee and is composed of a minimum of two

and a maximum of three members of which one shall have the function of Convener to call

for nomination for membership of the Executive Committee.

Financial Advisory Committee

The Financial Advisory Committee is also permanent, and advises and supports the

Treasurer on financial matters. They have regular e mail contact.

Special Committees:

Public Relations Committee

o This committee works to promote and market the organization and its exchange

programs. The aim is to increase global awareness of CIF International among

target audiences

o In 2016 and 2017, the committee did not undertake many activities, as the logo

issue was handled by a separate committee. Activities can now start up again, as

the new Logo is known. Products like the Banner, Toolkit, Flyers and information

cards can be finalized. The PR committee will see to that.


o Challenges are the further development of a new website for CIF International

and a standard power point presentation.

CIF 2028 o This new committee was established in September 2017. with the aim of

developing the future of CIF International. How do we develop CIF International

in the next 10 years. After getting feedback from NB, CP and EC the Committee

puts together the ideas and proposals, makes conclusions and develops a

workshop on the topic for the BD Meeting 2018 in Vienna.BD/EC will decide to set

goals where the organization is to be in 2028. According to these decisions, the

Committee CIF 2028 will propose an action plan 2019-2020 for the BD to

approve.

World News Communication Committee o This committee was established during the BD meeting in August 2015. It will

evaluate the needs for CIF to communicate news in a timely and cost-reduced

manner, investigate opportunities, explore possibilities and advise on the future

of the World News and possible alternatives. During the BD meeting in 2017,

they reported on their progress. The World News will come out twice a year. The

committee is thanked for their work and is dissolved.

Finances

In the year 2017 CIF International did not receive any financial support from outside

sources. The main income of CIF International is the yearly paid membership fee. Every

National Branch makes sure that 10 or 5 Euro for every member goes as membership fee to

the bank account of CIF International.

The total reported numbers of CIF members in 2017 was 802. the two National Branches

that not reacted are not included, so the actual number will be higher. (CIP/USA has no

members).

Donations are very welcome to continue and improve the work of CIF International (see

bank account information below).

The main expenses of CIF International are costs of the Executive Committee meetings and

Meeting of all National Branches (Board of Directors Meeting). In 2017 the Board of

Directors Meeting took place before the conference in Greece. There were two Executive

Committee meetings: in June in Helsinki, Finland, and in October in St. Florent sur Cher,

France.

The magazine of CIF International is the World News. This is also financed with the budget

of CIF International. Other important expenses are the costs for public relation activities.

CIF International paid nine grants for participants from different countries to attend the CIF

Conference in Greece. And for the first time 2 persons were given money for travel cost.

At the BD Meeting in Sweden 2015 it was decided that we have an important focus on peace

projects.


The two projects selected in 2016, were finished in 2017. A small budget is left. Donations

specifically for that activity are most welcome.

The information of the bank account of CIF International:

Name: Council of International Fellowship e. V.

IBAN: DE02 5705 0120 0000 1884 25

BIC-Code: MALADE51KOB

Bank: Sparkasse Koblenz (Germany)

For all further information, we ask you to contact the treasurer of CIF International:

Astrid Sehmer

[email protected]

Grants 2017

CIF International has the possibility to give grants for participation in BD meetings and

Conferences.

For the 2017 Kalamata conference in Greece, grants were given to every applicant who

fulfilled the criteria. The conference fee of 440 euros was given to nine persons. The grants

were only given to people attending as President or their representative and to contact

persons.

For the first time money was also given for travel cost. Two presidents got both the

conference fee and a part of the travel costs.

The total sum for grants was 5 000 euros.

During the BD In Kalamata, the guidelines were changed. Now for instance grants are based

on the individual circumstances of a person, regardless from the country they come from.

mailto:[email protected]


Report on the peace projects 2017

Two Peace Projects (PP) were held in 2017, in Israel and Finland, with the support of Peace

Project (PP) fund. The decision was made in 2016.

The objective of the project in Israel was to expose their PEP participants in diverse fields of

social work and education to the Arab-Jewish conflict in Israel, the impact of the political,

social and cultural situation on two million Arabs as well as Jews who are Israeli citizens

living and working together.

CIF Finland`s plan was to implement the peace project 2017 to run through the PEP-

program and find grant participants directly from EU nearby countries in unstable

circumstances/direct conflicts/post conflict situations.

Both projects were successful and were reported in September 2017.

A call for donations was sent in the autumn. In the end of the year the PP-fund was 700

euros.

The guidelines were changed during the BD in 2017 in Kalamata.

It is possible now, that the Peace Project grant is sent in advance or after the project is

finished, according to the proposal.

The subjects that have to be reported on in the report are also clearer now.

The final report should consist of a general and a financial part (how the money was spent).


World News Magazine

The World News is a powerful magazine produced twice a year (Summer and Winter) with

the purpose of informing, exchanging ideas and networking for CIF members and the

general public. Included are all of the “happenings” , updates of the organization, including

information on events, issues, accomplishments, projects, exchange programs and much

more.

The World News serves as a means of awareness and public image to be used by all

members and people around the world with the aim to help them understand what our

organization does, and inspire them to become CIF members in their countries, serving this

worthwhile organization. CIF is one of the oldest and worldwide professional and service

organizations formed by a number of countries all over the world. The WN is published both

online/electronic form and on hard copy to be displaced in public areas and promote the

organization.

CIF Worldwide

CIF National Branches

CIF now has a total of 31 National Branches plus CIPUSA. No new Branches were

established in 2017. Latvia decided to put the Branch on hold for the time being, because of

lack of time of the board members. Latvia has now a contact Person (CP), who is included

on the CP list.


Of these National Branches, 14 Provided a Professional Exchange Program. CIPUSA hosts

programs throughout the year. Other Branches have shorter programs. Each program is

designed to provide a professional in the human services field a training program, host

family living, and opportunities to participate in cultural activities.

CIF National Branches include:

Aotearoa /

New Zealand

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Cameroon

Cyprus

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece (Hellas)

India

Israel

Italy

Japan

Kenya

Kyrgyzstan

Lithuania

Morocco

Nepal

Netherlands

Norway

Russia

Scotland

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Turkey

United States

CIPUSA (U.S.)

CIF Contact Persons

A CIF contact person (CP) is a former participant of a CIF or CIPUSA professional exchange

program in a country without a national branch. The criteria are that the person be

recommended by a CIF National Branch or CIPUSA, and is willing to devote volunteer work

for the promotion of CIF International and its professional exchange programs (PEPs). They

also have to understand and agree with the CIF Statutes and the CP guidelines.

Some of the duties of a contact person are that they communicate with former PEP

participants in their country and organize regular meetings for them. Contact persons will

distribute the World News and other pertinent information. Last but not least, they are

responsible for writing recommendation letters for candidates from their country applying

for PEPs.

There were seven contact persons in 2017 and we got six applications to become a contact

person from China, Kosovo, Latvia (was a NB), Philippines, Romania and Tanzania. This

makes 13 contact persons in total. Some more application did come in, but are not

completed yet.

All contact person information has been confirmed and updated and posted on the CIF

International website and in the World News.

A contact person meeting was held at the Kalamata Conference in September 2017 which

was attended by three CP’s. In addition, present at the meeting were also possible future

contact persons for Jamaica and Thailand.

Like the Branches, contact persons are requested to report on their activities. A survey

report of activities and plans was received from all CPs active in 2017 this year.

15

Names and e mail of the contact persons are published on the CIF International website and

in the World News. CIF has now CP’s in the following countries:

Algeria

China

Jordan

Kosovo

Latvia

Madagascar

Pakistan

Palestine

Philippines

Romania

Tanzania

Tunisia

Serbia

Reports CP’s over 2017:

Most contact persons focus on promoting CIF PEPs and recruitment of participants and try

to keep in contact with other past participants in their country.

Serbia sent out a participant to Finland.

Kosovo sent out a participant to Finland.

Pakistan was approached by various Branches for recommendations of applicants, but could

not recommend them, because they seemed not to be genuine. She is teaching at a

University in Karachi, which might be beneficial for CIF.

Jordan is in contact with the Ministry of Social development to establish a CIF Branch in

Jordan.

Jamaica also wants to establish a CIF Branch and is working on that.

Algeria is in the final stages of establishing a CIF Branch and hopes to be officially approved

by the Board of Directors during the meeting in August 2018.


Professional Exchange Programs (PEP) in 2017

In 2017, 15 CIF International Professional Exchange Programs (PEPs) were organized by 14

NBs and CIP USA. CIF Morocco held its first PEP in 2017.

For comparison, in 2016, 19 CIF International Professional Exchange Programs (Int. PEPs)

were organized by 18 NBs and CIP USA.

All National Branches provided information about the PEPs they completed, by sending a

Final Evaluation Report (FER) 2017.

114 people applied for CIF International Professional Exchange Programs in 2017 (in 2016

109, in 2015 137), 77 applications were accepted (in 2016 92, in 2015 86) and 65

participants completed the program (in 2016 69, in 2015 74). So 68% of the applicants

were accepted in the programs (in 2016 84%, in 2015 63%) and 84% of the accepted

participants completed the program (in 2016 75%, in 2015 54%). PEPs which have no

participation fee got more applications then they could accept (Austria, Finland, Sweden),

and also newer programs (Japan, Morocco). Other PEP’s like Germany, Israel, Nepal,

Scotland and Switzerland also got more applications then they could place. The average

number of participants per PEP was 4.

PEPs organized in 2017 were 2-4 weeks long (CIPUSA programs 4-6 weeks), the average

duration of a program was 20 days. Most PEPs are organized in cooperation with


universities/social work schools, invited lecturers and professional associations. All programs

have agency visits and host family living.

The programs are mainly financed by:

participation fee - all programs except Austria, Finland and Sweden have a fee which

covers 10-100% of the whole cost of the PEP

contributions by local members - covers up to 60% of the total cost

other finances, mainly National Branches funds, friends and partners (universities, social

welfare associations, professional associations, local municipalities) – 30-100% of the

total cost

CIF Finland and CIF Israel also had support from CIF International Peace Project fund

only CIF France has financial support from the government.

CIF PEP: Benefits and Experiences

Reported participant feedback about benefits of the PEP 2017:

International, professional and cultural exchange with fellow participants and local

professionals/CIF members

New friendships and contacts

Development on a personal and professional level, broader perspective and overall

understanding of how different cultures impact services

Learning about social welfare systems and services, policies and the challenges different

countries face

Opportunity to share knowledge, skills and values, to be an `ambassador´ of one’s own

country

Having a great experience in a unique setting.

Success Stories in 2017 Programs

CIF Germany published an article in the newspaper of the Bavarian youth welfare

department. It attracted new PEP participants and a new member.

CIF Austria had very successful PEP - great participants, a good cooperation with the

University with engaged students.

CIF France - participant from Tunisia has now become the Contact Person for Tunisia.

Participant of Algeria is working with the Contact Person of Algeria to organize CIF Algeria.

CIF Finland - great cohesion of the group. One participant has become the Contact Person

for Kosovo, another helps to strengthen Contact Person in Serbia.

CIF Israel – the Peace Project enabled many cultural and social discussions on a personal

and professional level. All participants pointed out significance of their exposure to the

complexity of the Arab-Israeli conflict to its outcome dilemmas.


CIF Switzerland experienced that the format of the program is still very good: introduction

program of three days together, then one day to change to the host family. The topic of the

PEP concentrated on families, children and youth in general, individual programs along

individual professional situation. Regular reflections are very much appreciated by

participants.

CIF Turkey – a bridge between Turkish high school students and a Turkish boy in hospital in

one of the participant’s home country was built by the participant bringing video message

with him.

Although CIF Turkey organized PEP in three provinces thanks to the WhatsApp group for the

CIF members organizing the program, they followed and shared almost whole PEP. This

helped to enhance group cohesion of CIF Turkey members.


Summary of the CIF Branch activities

Currently CIF has 31 Branches and CIP/USA.29 Branches and CIP/USA provided information

by sending the Annual Activity Report (AAR) back. The following two Branches did not send

it in: Kenya and Lithuania.

Information and numbers are therefore based on the 29 answers provided.

Members

The total reported numbers of CIF members in 2017 was 802 (the National Branches that

not reacted are not included a, so the actual number will be higher. ( CIP/USA no fees so no

members).

Public relations

Many Branches have contact with Associations of Social Work in their country. Articles are

published about the experiences of participants and also in specialized newspapers for social

workers.

Some Branches have exchanges between participants and Universities during the PEP

program to promote CIF.

Several Branches were involved in public events, organized by the University of Social

Work, like conferences, lectures and workshops.

Most Branches have contact with their National Association of Social Work and can publish

articles about the experiences of participants. A few Branches have contact with

organizations with similar goals as CIF.


Promotion during meetings in agencies, national and international organizations or

European meetings.

Some Branches have a Facebook page, a blog. Many Branches have a website. See also the

CIF International website: www.cifinternational.com

Past participants are encouraged to share their experiences with colleagues.

Some other PR initiatives:

CIF Austria

During PEP 2017 a public event was organised: `International Networking Event in the

field of social work´at the Universitiy of Applied Sciences FH Campuswien – theses to

International Competence through International Exchange and Panel discussions

(together with the participants of the PEP and students).

CIF Italia

Had contact with the National and Regional Licensing Board of Social Workers in Italy.

CIF France

Had activities on their Facebook page and group and was involved in local events at the

school of social workers. Is developing contacts with partners to prepare the next CIF

conference in 2019.

CIF Israel

Developed Peace Projects.

CIF Morocco

Developed contacts to promote CIF.

CIF Spain

Held its first PEP in 2017.

CIF Switzerland

Wrote an article in the periodical ‘ SozialAktuell ‘ of the Swiss Social Workers Association

about the US program. The cooperation with FICE was mentioned for the first time in

FICE report.

National and international projects

Every Branch is doing different projects. Internationally the BD meeting in Kalamata, Greece

and EC meeting in Saint Florent sur Cher, France were organised by CIF International.

http://www.cifinternational.com/


CIP USA organized new programs with new countries

CIF France was involved in the European Project ERASMUS: end of project EDWOD and

a new project ‘ ReSport’ rehabilitation for handicapped people in sport.

CIF FRANCE is preparing the Next CIF International Conference in 2019.

CIF Germany developed activities for the PEP with the members around Germany and

with partners in the field of social work.

CIF Hellas was busy preparing and hosting the CIF International conference in

Kalamata.

CIF Austria maintained a good cooperation with the University and works with a former

participant from Kirghizstan.

CIF Cameroon began to build a website.

CIF Germany worked on their new statutes and their new website.

CIF Morocco prepared a proposal to host the BD and EC meeting in 2020, which was

accepted and organized their first PEP program.

CIF Nepal is in the process of setting up the cooperation with universities.

CIF Italia is preparing the 1st Meeting on the CIF Peace Project to be held at the end of

September 2018 near Rome.

New opportunities:

CIF France works with the School of Social Workers and the Region to prepare the CIF

Conference 2019.

CIF Russia and CIP USA work together for developing CIF further.

CIF Scotland is developing work with partner organizations.

CIF Nepal and CIF Netherlands work with universities.

CIF Italia is setting up an alliance with AISSW to invite a SW Master Degree student coming

from any university interested around the world as participant in their PEP.

Challenges

The Objectives of a lot of NB’s: more participants, more host families, more active and

younger members. Besides this:

CIF Argentina: developing co-operation with other border countries in South America

CIF Germany: share experiences around social work with refugees

CIF FRANCE: The next conference in 2019

CIF Switzerland: Challenge to facilitate the CIF future 2028. Committee.

Aims and goals

Many NBs want more people involved, more members and people to organize the PEP.

CIF Argentina: more people involved in the NB and for the PEP

CIP USA: developing new program models


CIF France: work with the CIF Algeria to become a Branch

CIF Hellas: organizing the CIF International Conference in 2017

CIF Italia: organize the Peace Project

CIF Kyrgyz Land: organize a PEP

CIF Morocco: preparing a PEP

CIF Turkey: developing the PEP also in other cities.

Co-operation between the Branch and CIF International

Most Branches have no comment on this. Those who reacted find the co-operation good and

approved the work of the team and the fast reactivity. Continual support of the PEP in the

different countries is considered to be important.

CIF International Conference 2017

The 32nd CIF Conference was hosted by CIF Hellas and the Hellenic Association of Social

Workers in September 2017 in Kalamata, Greece. The Conference is a bi annual activity that

takes place in a different country every time.

The theme of the Conference, approved by the Board of Directors in 2015, was “Meta-

kinesis”, A Key Concept for Personal and Global Stabilization

(Kinesis: motion or change in Aristotelian Philosophy).

In the aftermath of the latest economic crisis in many parts of the world, communities

worldwide seem to be going through a transitive period bringing forward a range of

culturally divisive issues (racial, religious, ideological, philosophical. In that context, as


individuals and as social institutions and organizations we are asked to interpret events with

a focus on the living conditions of current and future generations.

We live in a world of parallel meta-kinesis, in space, labor, interpersonal relationships,

religion and politics. People are looking for new platforms and alternative perspectives in

ways that guarantee continuity. Borders are shifting, populations are resetting, economies

are crumbling, violence and terrorism threaten the humanistic tradition and different

dogmas are clashing around the world Beyond the dramatic effects of forced migration due

to wars or physical disasters, the idea of meta-kinesis includes historically founded needs,

such as (a) looking for the new experience (b) researching the unknown, (c) managing

change (d) challenging mindfulness and alternative ways of life.

META-KINESIS: The change of position in a system where one’s movement steers the

movement of the other, to maintain stability.

In both violent and peaceful instances, there are challenges for the laws, the social policies,

the different cultures, the social values, as well as the individual that are in continuous

interaction and call for new approaches.

CIF International, as a world multicultural organization, has embedded transparency and

promotes the connection of individuals, cultures, services and professionals in order to

optimize knowledge and experiences from all over the world, while it searches methods,

approaches, and interventions that contribute to the safeguarding of human rights in the

new era of multiculturalism.

During the 2017 CIF International Conference, we had the chance to pose questions and

explore positions that led to the acquisition of tools for a different approach emanating from

the ongoing rapidly changing data.

We mainly discussed and focused on practical models that are already implemented or are

in a process of targeting the promotion of the sustainable human values of worldwide

understanding and peace that we serve as an international organization.


Some figures:

There were 223 participants from 28 different countries. The organization of the conference

was supported by two committees, the Organizing Committee and the Scientific Committee

plus 10 volunteers. The coordination was done by the CIF Hellas Board.

The secretarial work and the financial records were kept by a private agency under the

responsibility of CIF Hellas. Economic support was offered by the state and private donors.

During the first four days, 15 lectures/scientific presentations were given. In addition, there

was a symbolic welcome game “the synod of butterflies “, 16 workshops and a three-hour

world café, with the participation of most of the participants. There were also visits to 9

different social agencies. The Conference included cultural and recreational events.

Group photo of the conference participants

www.cifinternational.com

July 2017

http://www.cifinternational.com/

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