A Century of Empowering Communities
explore the rich history and transformative impact of the International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2025.
The Origins of the Settlement Movement
The Settlement movement began in the late 19th century as a response to pressing social issues. Visionaries like Samuel Augustus Barnett and Jane Addams believed in living among those in need to truly understand and address their challenges. By establishing Settlements in urban areas, they created spaces where people from diverse backgrounds could collaborate to improve their communities. This movement laid the foundation for modern social work and community development, emphasizing mutual respect and shared experiences to create lasting change.
Explore the pivotal moments that have shaped the Settlement movement and the evolution of IFS:
- 1873: Samuel Augustus Barnett proposes the idea of University Settlements to bridge the gap between privileged students and disadvantaged communities.
- 1884: Toynbee Hall is established in London, marking the formal beginning of the Settlement movement.
- 1886: Stanton Coit founds the Neighborhood Guild in New York, later known as the University Settlement, to support immigrant communities.
- 1889: Jane Addams and Ellen Starr open Hull House in Chicago, offering services and support to immigrants and refugees.
- 1920: The Settlement movement expands globally, with new centers opening in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
- 1970: The International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers (IFS) is formed, uniting organizations worldwide to tackle social challenges collectively.
A Global Network for Change
With a presence in over 30 countries, IFS connects thousands of organizations worldwide, empowering communities and driving social change.
Key Stats:
Communities Benefiting from Services: Thousands
Members Engaged in Social Initiatives: 90%
Countries with Active Programs: 30+
Inspired!
Inspired by what folks were doing specifically around civic engagement and equity, we had the chance to reflect on our work collectively at the IFS conference in Lille. This opportunity has led to enhancing our services and programs
IFS has changed the culture of our organization for the better
Full membership in IFS has changed the culture of our organization for the better by far. Riis Settlement is now part of an international network—a movement, in fact—that offers us peer learning and support from practitioners worldwide.
