IFS AMERICAS
Who We Are
IFS Americas is a regional network of IFS Global Network, connecting settlement houses, neighbourhood houses, neighbourhood centres, community centres and community organisations, together with the federations, associations and networks that represent them across the Americas.
The network creates opportunities for organisations, practitioners and community leaders to build relationships, share community-based knowledge and collaborate on social challenges and opportunities affecting communities across the region.
IFS Americas contributes to a wider global movement grounded in locally led action, social justice, inclusion, human rights and international learning.
Current active participation is primarily based in North America, and most regional activities are conducted in English. IFS Americas welcomes increased participation from organisations across Central America, the Caribbean and South America as the regional network continues to grow.
Our Regional Purpose
IFS Americas provides a regional space where locally rooted organisations, practitioners and community leaders can connect, reflect and learn from one another while remaining grounded in their own community contexts.
Across the region, organisations are responding to complex and changing realities, including community safety, migration, funding pressures, inequality and increasing social polarisation. IFS Americas creates opportunities for members to share their experiences, explore practical responses and strengthen cooperation across organisations and communities.
The regional network aims to:
- build relationships between IFS members and Associate Members across the Americas
- support peer learning and exchange between locally rooted organisations
- create opportunities for regional conversations on shared challenges
- highlight community-led practice and innovation
- strengthen participation in the wider IFS Global Network
- connect local community experience with regional and international discussions
- encourage cooperation across countries, languages and communities
What We Do
IFS Americas supports ongoing exchange and cooperation through:
- regional conversations and events
- peer-learning opportunities
- webinars and virtual panel discussions
- presentations led by member organisations
- connections between organisations working in similar environments
- exchange of resources, research and community-based practice
- participation in wider IFS activities and international discussions
These activities help members explore practical approaches, highlight innovative community work and strengthen relationships between organisations and practitioners.
Connecting Local and Global Perspectives
IFS Americas connects locally rooted practice with wider regional and international perspectives.
Through IFS Global Network, members and Associate Members can engage with organisations in other regions, learn from different community contexts and contribute to international conversations and collective advocacy.
The regional network also helps bring the experience, knowledge and perspectives of communities across the Americas into the wider work of IFS.
Highlights from 2025
In 2025, the IFS Americas Committee hosted three webinars through the series Neighborhood Centers: Community Living Room Conversations.
The webinars brought together guests and speakers from different organisations to explore:
- Future of Democracy: Building a Beloved Community
- Neighborhood Centers and the Future of Democracy: Places of Courage in Movement Building
- Celebrating Community Power Across the Americas Through Mutual Aid, Relationship-Building, Networking and Formal Advocacy
Our Work in 2026
Then use:
In 2026, IFS Americas is focused on:
- hosting webinars and virtual panel discussions
- strengthening relationships across the region
- expanding participation beyond the existing network
- supporting sustained exchange between organisations
- identifying practical responses to current community challenges
- creating opportunities for members to shape future regional activities
The 2026 webinar program focuses on practical solutions informed by listening to members, understanding regional needs and creating relevant spaces for collaboration and shared learning.
Meeting schedules, webinar details and other activities are communicated through IFS Americas and the wider IFS network.
How Members Participate
IFS members and Associate Members can participate in IFS Americas by:
- joining regional webinars, meetings and conversations
- sharing news, resources and examples of community practice
- proposing topics for future regional discussions
- contributing as speakers or panellists
- connecting with organisations working on similar issues
- participating in collaborative activities and working groups
- contributing regional perspectives to wider IFS discussions
- helping build connections with organisations across the Americas
Local organisations belonging to an IFS federation, association or peak body may already receive free Associate Membership.
They can contact their representative body or IFS Americas to confirm their connection and ask to receive regional updates, meeting invitations and information about activities.
Regional Coordination
IFS Americas activities are supported by a regional committee of participating members.
To learn more, connect your organisation, suggest an activity or participate in regional webinars and conversations, contact:
Email: ifsamericas@goddard.org
