News
Melissa Aase Elected as New President of the IFS Board
The International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS) is proud to announce the election of Melissa Aase as the new President of its Board. This decision was made during the organization’s June meeting, marking the beginning of a promising chapter under Melissa’s visionary leadership. Melissa Aase, widely recognised for her contributions to community development,…
Small Wins and Big Moves: Updates from the IFS Host Office June 2025
From the heart of Sydney, the new IFS Host Office is excited to share what’s been happening behind the scenes this past quarter. As we approach the final stage of the transition from Finland to Australia, we’re proud to report fresh progress, renewed energy, and growing global connection — all thanks to you, our vibrant…
Stitching Belonging: Leila’s Community Vision in Rural France
In the Heart of Aspet: A Story of Listening, Belonging, and LeilaBy Junias Kanyinda In October 2024, as part of my work coordinating international projects for the Finnish Federation of Settlement Houses and the International Federation of Settlements (IFS), I hosted a group of French colleagues for an Erasmus+ mobility exchange. The theme? Exploring…
TNC Kinship Dojo: Practicing Relational Equity in Community Work
What if equity work wasn’t just about learning concepts but practicing new ways of being together? That was the idea behind the Kinship Dojo, a six-month pilot launched by Toronto Neighbourhood Centres (TNC). Inspired by dojo culture, this unique initiative created a practice space where 30 participants from across the TNC network gathered to explore…
Tony Armstrong Recognised in the King’s Honours
IFS is proud to share that our Board Secretary, Tony Armstrong, has been honoured in the King’s Honours List, a national recognition celebrating individuals making significant contributions to their communities. Tony’s leadership spans decades of commitment to local development and equity. Since 2014, he has served as CEO of Locality, a national UK network supporting…
IFS Americas 2025 Peer Learning Series
Neighbourhood Centres: Community Living Room Conversations A new cross-border initiative is unfolding across North America. Through collaboration between Neighbourhood Houses in Canada and the United States, IFS members have launched a Peer Learning Series rooted in values of care, equity, and belonging. This space, lovingly called Community Living Room Conversations, brings together staff, practitioners,…