WHO WE ARE
Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a global movement of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds who are committed to building a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. IofC believes this global transformation starts with personal change by reflecting on your own motives and behavior. By regularly taking a moment in silence to listen, you gain access to a source of inspiration, creativity and strength. Over the last 90 years this approach has made IofC gain credibility and extensive experience in bringing healing and reconciliation where there is conflict, and building trust across the world’s divides.
IofC is active in 60 countries and formally incorporated in more than 40 countries. Each national body is independent but may affiliate to Initiatives of Change International. The network is over 80 years old and grew out of the work of Frank Buchman (1878-1961), an American Lutheran minister. Over the years his work expanded to include people of different religions, beliefs and ideologies. In the 1920s his work became known as the Oxford Group and in 1938 was named Moral Re-Armament. It changed its name to Initiatives of Change in 2001. Read more about the history of the organisation.
Initiatives of Change International, based in Caux (Switzerland)(link is external), is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations(link is external), and Participatory Status at the Council of Europe(link is external) in Strasbourg.
ABOUT IOFC NETHERLANDS
Initiatives of Change Netherlands started with the first meetings in the 1920s. The network expanded a decade later and organized big event such as 'Nieuw Nederland loopt van stapel' in Utrecht. From the 1960s the network works from its centre which is located in The Hague. More information on the history of the Dutch IofC can be found in the book of Hennie de Pous.
Want to know who is involved in IofC Netherlands? Check out the team page of IofC Netherlands. Curious to learn more about current projects and activities? Please visit our page about initiatives and programmes.
WHAT WE DO
Our vision is a just, peaceful and sustainable world in which everyone, responding to the call of conscience, makes their unique contribution. Our mission is to inspire, equip and connect people to address world needs, starting with themselves. We work worldwide on several initiatives through a network of individuals, groups, and organisations.
OUR THREE FOCUS AREAS
Trustbuilding: Peace and social cohesion through trust and reconciliation.
Ethical Leadership: Good governance by developing a leadership culture based on moral integrity, compassion and selfless service.
Sustainable living: Economic justice and environmental sustainability by transformation of motives and behaviour.
OUR APPROACH
Recognising that it will take more than human reason and ability to solve the problems of the world, IofC places the search for inner wisdom at the heart of its approach. When people listen to what is deepest in their hearts, insights often come which lead in unexpected directions. Some understand this experience as guidance from God, others as the leading of conscience or the inner voice.