About Us: Empowering Global Collaboration through Community-Driven Initiatives

Welcome to IFS, where global collaboration meets shared learning and strategic leadership. We are proud to be an international community of diverse member organizations working together to support one another and create meaningful impact.

With a dedicated board of directors, an experienced executive team, and a committed communications officer, IFS operates on a foundation of inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven governance.

We don’t just oversee—we inspire. At IFS, every action is guided by a belief that real progress stems from working hand-in-hand to build a future where Social Justice knows no boundaries.

Our Context

 IFS is built as a membership network. Our work is based on the contributions, needs, and opportunities we find within our global membership base. Our work must focus on this network and provide members with tangible impact and benefit.

We are responsible for widening the participation of settlements and neighbourhood centres in our network. Providing a platform for international relationships, we endeavour to reach areas and organisations not engaged in the IFS. We are committed to continuous quality improvement. We are equally committed to strengthening our collective voice to influence policy and decision-making in any area our members are in.

Although we have a small staff team and a host office to coordinate our activity, our work is voluntary. Our ambition is to build our income base to develop a stronger core function. Still, our theory of change needs to recognise the reality of where we are now. We cannot do everything, and we need to focus on where we can make an impact for our members.

How We Operate: A Commitment to Shared Leadership

At the heart of IFS lies our unique approach to leadership and governance. Our operations are directed by an international board of directors, We are incorporated in New York, but our reach extends far beyond borders. For the past decade, our headquarters have been in Finland, hosted by the Finnish Federation of Settlement Houses. This community-driven model reinforces our mission to share responsibility and encourage diversity.

 IFS headquarters rotate among our member organizations based on a volunteer and voting process. This innovative approach ensures inclusivity, shared ownership, and global representation.

Mark your calendars because, in 2025, our headquarters will transition to The Local Community Services Association (LCSA) in Sydney, Australia—a testament to our commitment to fostering global collaboration.

Strategic Leadership That Makes an Impact

Our volunteer board of directors is the driving force behind everything we do. Meeting at least four times a year through virtual calls and gathering annually in person at member locations, this passionate team leads with purpose. Their efforts go beyond traditional governance to champion initiatives that empower our members to thrive.

Key Focus Areas of Our Leadership

• Strategic Planning

Guiding long-term growth and sustainability for the global IFS community.

• Budget Development

Crafting budgets that enable impactful projects and community-driven initiatives.

• Policy and Event Agenda Creation

Designing conferences and trainings that inspire shared learning and collaboration.

• Fundraising and Recruitment

Expanding our network to include even more change-makers and innovators.

• Resource Communication

Sharing invaluable tools and resources to strengthen our member organizations.

This proactive, collaborative approach ensures IFS remains a thriving hub for innovation and shared growth.

A Mission Built on Community

Every decision we make reflects our dedication to empowering Local communities and the agencies that support them,  fostering a truly global community. We believe growth is most impactful when it’s shared, which is why we prioritize creating opportunities for broad participation. Through our rotating headquarters model, inclusive leadership, and unwavering focus on collaboration, we’re shaping a future fueled by communication, understanding, and shared purpose.

Why Your Voice Matters

At IFS, we know that every voice plays an essential role in building a stronger communities and a more united global network. That’s why we’re always here to connect, collaborate, and grow with you.

Want to learn more about our community-driven initiatives and how we’re redefining global collaboration? Reach out today—we’d love to hear from you! info@ifsnetwork.org

IFS Team

• Pentti Lemmetyinen, Chairman of the IFS board
• Can Yaşmut, IFS Executive Director
• Michael M Shreenan, IFS Operations Manager
• Staffan Lindqvist, Executive Advisor
• Junias Kanyinda, Communication Officer

Board Members