Who we are
The International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers (IFS) is a global movement of more than 11000 member associations that include multi-purpose, community-based organizations across the world. We believe in empowering the people who work for social justice by connecting, inspiring and supporting an inclusive global community.
Please watch this video to learn more about Settlement Houses.
“Let’s all be brave and creative builders of a much better and just world”
How to become a member
Our Membership spans the globe offering partnership for programs and conferences that introduce you to new networking channels.
Focus Areas: Coronavirus: The impact on Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centers and more.
The IFS Helsinki Office and members have been organising online meetings as an opportunity to IFS members to share news and talk about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on community work and plans after the crisis. There have been two meetings so far. The first online meeting took place on March 31, 2020, and the second on May 6, 2020.
Sophie Michelena, IFS Europe Projects Coordinator from Locality in the United Kingdom conducted research on COVID-19 related experiences as a part of the IFS Europe Office. The research compiled and compared experiences of social centres and their national bodies in 8 European countries: Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK.
The research took place in October and November 2020 and included:
- Interviews with the national membership and support organisation
- An online survey with social centres and local organisations in Europe
The research’s key findings can be found here.
Below you will find links and shortcuts to the main focuses of the IFS Office.
News & Blog
MAGAZINE C’EST POSSIBLE! N°18 “Le tour du monde des centres sociaux” Dec 2020 – Mars 2021
It's here! The Magazine C'est Possible! from the French Federation of Centres...
NGO Committee on Migration survey and Grassroots immigrant work and COVID-19
In the context of the Coronavirus pandemic, the survey below (via links) is...
“Get to know your board members” series: Franco Uda
In this “Get to know your board members” series, we have interviewed the IFS...
Upcoming events
Community Organisations Promoting Democracy and Peace in Europe
18/03/2021
Event Description The Finnish Federation of Settlement Houses...
IFS Conference 2021 Social Justice – The Unfinished Journey
14/09/2021
IFS Conference Sydney 2021 - SAVE THE DATE! Event description...
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Congratulations, IFS board member Melissa Aase and thanks for sharing University Settlement Society of New YorkCongratulations to our Executive Director Melissa Aase, named to City and State NY's Nonprofit Power 100 - and to all the leaders and allies also honored! As we’ve seen in the face of tremendous adversity, strong nonprofits are truly essential to New York's success.
Muchas felicidades Melisa Aase. William castillo FEDOPO Republica Dominicana.
Congratulations Melissa
Awesome!!! Congratulations Melissa Aase! Well deserved
Congrats Melissa!
So well deserved. Congratulations!
Congrats Melissa.
Congratulations 👏🎉🎂
🙌🏽 woohoo Congratulations 🎉
Congrats
🌹🌹🌹
Dear Europe IFS Members,
The Finnish Federation of Settlement Houses and the IFS Helsinki Office will be hosting the “Community Organisations Promoting Democracy and Peace” virtual meeting sponsored by the Finnish Ministry of Justice. During this meeting, guest speakers and European Settlement Houses representatives will exchange about peace issues in Europe and Settlement work efforts to promote peace, social justice, and democracy in Europe.
When: Thursday 18 March 2021, 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm EET.
Follow the link below for an RSVP and share with your Settlements and Neighbourhood Houses.
Community Organisations Promoting Democracy and Peace in Europe - IFS
Community Organisations Promoting Democracy and Peace in Europe10 / 02 / 2021 | Conference, Event Event Description The Finnish Federation of Settlement Houses and the IFS Helsinki Office will be host...Excited to be participating in this important event as a panelist! So relevant to our work here in the USA. The Settlement House is a movement for democracy, equity and justice.
Covid Neighbourhood House Heroes. Neighbourhood Houses Victoria shared“One of our popular activities is our weekly knitting/crocheting group, which is part of the KOGO (Knit One Give One) initiative. All handmade knitted/crocheted items are donated to KOGO who then distribute them on to those in need throughout Australia.
Prior to COVID-19, our group met each Tuesday for a cuppa and chat, and to create beautiful garments or squares for blankets. Apart from helping to spread the warmth, many new friendships are made.
During lockdown, I was able to teach some of the participants how to use Zoom so we could continue meeting each week. I have received many lovely emails from people, letting me know how grateful and happy they are that we have been able to continue our catch ups. It was wonderful to keep that connection going during those isolating times, especially when some participants live alone.”
Cathy Wilson - Aspendale Gardens Community Service
#COVIDNHEROES💚
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