IF is an independent nonprofit that supports grassroots community projects to address locally identified needs—including health and nutrition, care of the environment, food and shelter, education and economic self-help—around the world and in the US. We have consciously chosen to direct our program funds to grassroots efforts in marginalized communities that are most vulnerable to the economic, so
cial and environmental effects of corporate globalization and militarization. Our belief is that empowering grassroots action is the key to broader social change and social justice. We stand by our project partners as they build up the vision, participation, confidence and will to take on the greater work of social justice and the transformation of life in their communities. Circles of Hope : A key element of IF’s work is Bill Cane's idea of creating Circles of Hope. IF’s concept of Circles of Hope differs from the usual one-directional path of philanthropy (i.e., from altruistic donors to people in need) which implies only that we have something to give to or teach them. Our experience has shown us that we have much to gain by listening to and learning from communities that have been through the worst crises—war, genocide, AIDS, communal violence, drug trafficking, environmental disasters. Prolonged bickering about who is right does not help. Likewise, top-down economic strategies promoted by large development agencies and corporate interests often overlook the neediest populations, harm the environment and can even be wasteful. Cooperation, conservation and resourcefulness are far more useful. When communities go through difficult processes of loss and grief, toward acceptance, forgiveness and healing, their experience serves all of humanity. By sharing the stories of their experiences, wisdom and practical ideas in our our quarterly publication, Integrities, IF helps to complete the Circles of Hope. Bring IF into Your Circle of Hope, Bring Your Circle of Hope into IF. If you belong to a church, an outreach group, professional group, or women's group and you would like a presentation about: IF and its mission and projects or any issue or topic in the county or in the world which challenges the dignity and hopes of ordinary people, Contact IF. We have speakers & resources to inform, inspire and help create more Circles of Hope. In addition, IF hosts public education events to foster meaningful, respectful dialogue on critical issues, encouraging participants to rise to high standards of integrity and ethics in their discussions as well as in their daily lives and choices. We’ve come to appreciate the deep connection between our personal quest for enlightenment and enlightened action. . .respect for the Earth. . .commitment to social and economic justice for all people. . .and the possibility of a peaceful, sustainable world. Our intention is to illuminate those connections, to help us all understand better the world we are witnessing, and to give each of us opportunities to heal and help in the healing of the planet.
