Locally Rooted, Globally Connected
Who We Are
IFS Global Network connects settlement houses, neighbourhood houses, neighbourhood centres, community centres and community organisations, together with the federations, associations and peak bodies that represent them.
Founded in 1926, IFS creates opportunities for locally rooted organisations and their representative networks to build relationships across borders, exchange knowledge, strengthen community-led practice and act together on shared global challenges.
Our members work in different countries, cultures and community contexts. They use a variety of names and organisational models, but share commitments to participation, inclusion, human rights, social justice and the belief that communities should have a voice in the decisions that affect them.
Through IFS, local knowledge becomes part of a global conversation. Members learn from one another, develop international relationships and bring community experience into regional and international advocacy.
Connecting locally rooted organisations and representative networks across six continents and 30 countries.
Our Name and Shared Tradition
IFS has its roots in the international settlement-house movement, a tradition of locally based organisations working alongside communities through education, participation, practical support, advocacy and social action.
We recognise that the word “settlement” has different meanings and associations across countries, cultures and political contexts. Within IFS, it refers to the settlement-house movement and its history of neighbourhood-based community work. It does not refer to territorial settlement or colonisation.
Organisations connected through IFS use many locally recognised names, including settlement houses, neighbourhood houses, neighbourhood centres, community centres, social centres and community organisations. National and regional federations, associations and peak bodies represent and support many of these locally rooted organisations.
What connects the network is not a single name or organisational model. It is a shared commitment to locally led action, participation, inclusion, international learning and stronger communities.
Different names. Different local contexts. A shared commitment to stronger communities.
IFS Global Network is the public identity used throughout this website. The organisation’s registered legal name is The International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers, Inc.
Our Shared Vision
A just, inclusive and connected world where every community has the opportunity, resources and voice to thrive.
Our Shared Mission
To connect, strengthen and amplify locally rooted organisations and their representative networks, supporting international learning, cooperation and collective action for social justice.
Our Shared Values
Our values guide how we build relationships, share knowledge, make decisions and act together across the global network.
Social Justice and Human Rights
We uphold fairness, equity, dignity and the rights of people and communities.
Inclusion and Diversity
Inclusion and Diversity
We value different identities, cultures, perspectives and experiences, and work to ensure that people can participate and be heard.
Community Leadership
We recognise the knowledge, strengths and leadership within communities and support people to shape the decisions that affect their lives.
Collaboration and Solidarity
We build relationships across borders, share knowledge and act together in support of common goals.
Learning and Exchange
We create opportunities for members to learn from one another, strengthen their practice and adapt ideas to their own local contexts.
What We Do
IFS creates opportunities for members and Associate Members to connect internationally, strengthen their work and contribute to collective action on shared issues.
Our Strategic Approach
Our strategic approach focuses on building a stronger, more connected and sustainable global network.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES:
Fostering cooperation, participation and solidarity across the global network..
Empowering Through Knowledge and Advocacy:
Sharing knowledge, strengthening capacity and amplifying community voices in support of social justice.
Driving Growth for Greater Impact
Strengthening the Federation’s membership, governance, regional networks and long-term sustainability.
Our History
Founded in 1926, IFS grew from the wider international settlement movement. For one hundred years, the Federation has connected locally rooted organisations across borders through international learning, cooperation and collective action
