IVP philosophically, and historically, approaches peace from the perspective of a conscientious objection to war, and its concomitants – the industries promoting or supporting wars; ideologies that derive succour from instilling fear or loathing in others; the institutional barriers to understanding between people – such as racism or sexism; and the enshrining of privilege in one powerful caste condemning segments of society to misery or subservient or undignified existence. 

Peace movement for us is the active bringing together of people from different parts of the world, different backgrounds and abilities to complete a common task for, and at the initiative of, a local community, and in circumstances that can be sustained by that community. 

This gathering to undertake a defined task encapsulates our values and provides opportunities to learn collaboration across difference. It is a simple concept, not framed by a credo, or part of an ulterior programme. 

The peace we adhere to is a constructive one, built by the group for the purpose of undertaking the task – it is constructed within the group itself (who have a priori no other common ground) and between the volunteers and the community in an act of solidarity. 

For volunteers the experience of a camp may (but need not) be life changing; their motivation may be entirely personal; they may be most affected by the place or the project; or the people they meet;  It might be their first (and last) encounter with our movement, but we believe that the understanding – of self, of others – applied further in life will add to a more peaceful world, without relying on one or another line of conviction. It comes down to ‘acts not words’.

Mission

Founded in response to the horrors of war in Europe, the IFOR has taken a consistent stance against war and its preparation throughout its history.

Perceiving the need for healing and reconciliation in the world, the founders of IFOR formulated a vision of the human community based upon the belief that love in action has the power to transform unjust political, social, and economic structures.

Today IFOR has branches, groups, and affiliates in over 40 countries on all continents. Although organized on a national and regional basis, IFOR seeks to overcome the division of nation-states which are often the source of conflict and violence. Its membership includes adherents of all the major spiritual traditions as well as those who have other spiritual sources for their commitment to nonviolence.

The Power of Nonviolence

IFOR members share a vision of a world where conflicts are resolved through nonviolent means, where systems that foster fear and hatred are dismantled, and where justice is sought as a basis for peace. While coming from diverse religious backgrounds, we have a common belief in the transforming power of nonviolence and reconciliation.

Raising Peace is a networking initiative that aims to contribute to the construction of peace, the guarantee of human rights all over the world, and to highlight the role that International Voluntary Service (IVS) plays in this field. The program achieves this through advocating for human rights, non-formal education training and capacity building, empowerment of activists and organisations and through communication and visibility campaigns.

Raising Peace unites 9 International and regional networks from the IVS Movement (WAVAN, SAWC, SEEYN, SCI, NVDA, ICYE, IBO, EAVS, Alliance) which coordinated by the CCIVS work together in order to implement the yearly campaign.