ICAN - International Community Action Network

Since 1997, joining with partners in each of Palestine, Jordan and Israel, ICAN (formerly known as the McGill Middle East Program) has established eleven rights-based community practice (RBCP) centres in some of the most disadvantaged areas of these societies. Despite the increasing violence and uncertainty in the Middle East over the last decade, the centres have implemented programs that engage,

educate and empower the citizens most affected by conflict, war, economic hardship and uncertainty. Over 120,000 people benefit from the work of ICAN centres each year, allowing them access to the basic social, economic and human rights to which we are all entitled. More than 50 alumni have trained in community organizing as part of ICAN's International MSW Fellowship. These Fellows continue to work at ICAN centres and across the Middle East to advance social justice. ICAN centres are staffed by trained volunteers, who themselves approached the centres for help and are now giving their time to help others, as well as social workers, lawyers and community organizers. Together, they have given workshops for men on domestic abuse, stopped home demolitions, and tutored potential drop-outs who are now on the path to university. They’ve gotten new laws passed, set new precedents, and worked with government officials to improve neighbourhoods and communities.