COPAD GRANDS-LACS shares a rapid field assessment on the evolving Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, highlighting community-rooted prevention priorities, challenges on the ground, and the crucial role of local leadership.
Deep listening and storytelling are not just preparation for community work—they are the work itself. Reflecting on lessons from Australia’s neighborhood center movement, Junias Kanyinda explores how listening to local stories reveals systemic patterns, shifts the focus from temporary rescues to “repairing the bridge,” and turns individual experiences into collective action.
In June 2026, delegates gathered in Berlin to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Verband für sozial-kulturelle Arbeit e.V. (VskA). This milestone highlighted three-quarters of a century of neighbourhood action, democratic participation, and international exchange, reflecting on the post-war origins and future of community work across Germany and globally.
In June 2026, community, neighbourhood, child and youth sector leaders from Australia, Canada, the United States and Germany came together in Berlin for an international professional exchange exploring advocacy, youth work, community development, civic participation and social inclusion. While international exchanges have long been a valued part of the settlement house, neighbourhood centre and community…
The International Federation of Settlements (IFS) is pleased to announce the Regional Mental Health Conference 2026, taking place on 29–30 September 2026 in Kisumu, Kenya. Hosted by TINADA Youth Action Africa, the conference will explore the theme: “Voices of Experience, Empowering Healing: Advancing Community-Led Mental Health, Inclusion, and Resilient Wellbeing.” The conference will bring together…
Several members and staff of the International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS) recently attended the International Community Development Conference, joining practitioners and leaders from around the world to explore approaches to strengthening communities, social inclusion, and community-led development. A key outcome of the conference was the formalisation of a Reciprocal Organisational Affiliation Agreement…
When International Belonging Is Invisible A question the Settlement movement rarely asks out loud. This piece is about belonging. Not the kind that lives in membership lists, but the kind that must be felt. By Junias Kanyinda · International Federation of Settlements Helsinki, Finland. Practitioners from the UK and Finland at the end of a…
We’re pleased to invite you to the first Creative Exchange Circle, a relaxed and informal space for connection, sharing, and creative exploration across the IFS network. 📅 Event Details Date: Thursday, 11 June 2026Time: 👉 Join the meeting 🌿 About the Creative Exchange Circle The Creative Exchange Circle is a small, welcoming space for practitioners…
The International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers (IFS) celebrates the record-breaking voter turnout in Hungary’s recent election, which marked a pivotal shift in the nation’s leadership. With 77.8% of eligible voters participating, this election represents the highest turnout in Hungarian history and a resounding call for democratic renewal. The election results bring a new…
Community organisations and settlement houses sit at the heart of our neighbourhoods. Every day, practitioners respond to complex social challenges, from funding pressures to shifting community safety needs. Yet, finding the time to pause, reflect, and share practical solutions with peers remains a rare privilege. To bridge this gap and support meaningful collaboration, IFS Americas…
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