Organization

Purpose

The Organization is a private and not for profit, politically and religiously independent Organization.

Its purpose is to promote professional, cross-cultural and educational exchange for those working in the field of social services. The learning and sharing generated by the exchange provides opportunities for broadening professional as well as personal development and so contributes to peace and understanding.

The Organization works in collaboration with other entities sharing the same core values and respecting Human Rights, guaranteeing equal treatment to all as agreed upon in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

CIF is an organization committed to promoting peace, human rights, and social justice. We firmly believe that every individual has the right to dignity, respect, and to live free from violence and oppression, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or belief. Guided by international human rights frameworks and the principles of peace, we work tirelessly to foster a world where every person can live in harmony and free from discrimination.

We reject any action that endangers human life or contributes to suffering. We oppose war, discrimination, genocide, terrorism and any form of injustice that dehumanizes individuals or communities. Through the promotion of exchange programs for professionals working in the social field, we strive to create bridges of
peace and understanding, and build societies where human rights are universally respected, and peace is a reality.

CIF Organizational Objectives

To maintain and facilitate relations, provide learning opportunities and the exchange of work and cultural experiences among its participants, members, host families and anyone else involved in the activities of the Organization and its National Branches.
To promote and support the organization of a two-yearly International Conference, the establishment of new National Branches or, where this is not possible, a Contact Person.
To support the organization of International Professional Exchange Programs that combine practical and theoretical information about the social and cultural environment of the host country. To support recruitment and selection of new participants in CIF International Professional Exchange Programs and CIPUSA Programs, encourage their participation in the activities of the Organization

You can find CIF statutes here:

STATUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP e.V.

Our Privacy Policy

The Annual Report of 2024

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Organizational Breakdown

G

eneral Assembly

The General Assembly is the highest body of the organization and consists of all CIF members. To be a member of CIF one must be an alumnus of a CIF, CIP, or CIPUSA program or an ISP program. Members can also be individual professionals in social work, social welfare, human services, and closely related fields, who support the objectives of CIF

B

oard of Directors

The Board of Directors (BD) consists of the Presidents of the National CIF Branches and a representative from CIPUSA.
The Board of Directors decides upon ongoing policy and priorities, policy implementation and the allocation of financial resources under the broad policy and priority guidelines established by the Organization.

E

xecutive Committee

The Executive Committee (EC) is elected by the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee is authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Directors, in accordance with the policy, programs, projects and general guidelines of the organization. The Committee executes decisions of the Board of Directors and takes care of the ongoing day-to-day business.
The Executive Committee consists of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer and two Members at Large. The position of president, secretary and treasurer are fixed roles with their own related duties.

2025 - 2027 CIF Executive Committee Members

The election of Executive Committee members took place in November 2025 during the CIF conference in Mumbai. This EC will serve the organization until autumn 2027.
Members are: