Preamble

 

Introduction 

Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a world‐wide movement of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with their own.

Many of the world’s problems – and their solutions – are rooted in human nature. Fear, hate, greed and indifference perpetuate injustice, poverty, conflict and environmental destruction. Yet it is also in human nature to be compassionate, courageous and creative. People can live the change they wish to see. Each person has something unique to contribute to building a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

IofC focuses on the vital link between personal change and global change, and aims to inspire, support and equip people to play their part in building a better society.

Approach

Recognising that it will take more than human reason and ability to solve the problems of the world, IofC places the search for inner wisdom at the heart of its approach. When people listen to what is deepest in their hearts, insights often come which lead in unexpected directions. Many understand this experience as guidance from God, others as the leading of conscience or the inner voice. The regular practice of silence can give access to a source of truth, renewal, inspiration and empowerment.

Also integral to IofC is a commitment to:

  • Start with oneself: An honest look at one’s own motives and behaviour is often the start of personal transformation. Cultural and religious traditions across the world offer moral standards as guides for individual and community living. Of these, IofC singles out absolute honesty, unselfishness, love and purity of heart and action as practical tests for motives and daily actions.
  • Listen to others: Honest conversation, undertaken in an open spirit, builds bridges of trust and community between people of similar, different, and even antagonistic, backgrounds. These enable healing, partnership and common action.
  • Take focused action: IofC’s people and programmes seek to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of society and to
    • bring healing and reconciliation where there is conflict.
    • build bridges of trust between different communities and countries.
    • embed ethics, justice and transparency in the global economy.
    • empower leadership to act with integrity, serve unselfishly and be effective agents of change.

Origins

Initiatives of Change grew out of the work of Frank Buchman (1878‐1961), an American Lutheran minister. Buchman affirmed that there is a divine purpose for the world and everyone in it, and demonstrated the connection between faith and change in society. Over the years his outreach expanded to include people of different religions and none. In the 1920s his work became known as the Oxford Group and in 1938 was named Moral Re‐Armament (MRA). It changed its name to Initiatives of Change in 2001.

Initiatives of Change International

Initiatives of Change International is an association incorporated in 2002 under Swiss law which brings together IofC’s national associations and international programmes. Member bodies commit to act in accordance with the constitution and with the principles of the movement. In all other respects, they are autonomous. Initiatives of Change International is a non‐profit Association, independent of any and all political, religious or economic entities or organizations. Where appropriate, it partners with others working for change.

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