International Service's mission is to combat poverty and oppression by
strengthening the organisations of the poorest groups in our countries of
operation and by increasing global understanding of development issues.
This is what we value
• We value partnerships based on mutual trust, respect and cooperation
• We value diversity and inter-cultural learning
• We are global citizens with shared responsibility to find sustainable solutions to poverty and inequality.
• We see participation and empowerment of local people as basic principles in all our projects
• We believe that true development is not possible without human rights for all
What International Service Does International Service's mission is accomplished through these activities:
• Placing development workers: recruiting, funding and selecting committed professionals to share their skills and help local organisations achieve their objectives;
• Building partnerships: increasing development awareness and promoting the concept of global citizenship in the UK and elsewhere;
• Mobilising resources: helping our partners to access resources for development initiatives;
• Continually improving all aspects of our work: through effective learning and organisational development.
Our core principle of “Start with what people know, build with what people have” is underpinned by four approaches that we have adopted in our field work.
We believe that development is a process of change, not a series of projects, and our development workers participate in this process aiming to make a contribution of lasting value
The sharing of skills as a process of mutual learning and development, leading to enhanced capacity and reduction of poverty
Intercultural exchange based on mutual respect, solidarity and international co-operation - a concept of global citizenship
Partnerships with organisations in the South based on commitment, honesty and trust
Participation of women and marginalised people in development initiatives
Empowerment of local communities by promotion and ownership of grassroots initiatives
Organisational integrity based on transparency, commitment to quality, and service