Initiatives of Change Association (Canada) / Association Initiatives et Changement (Canada)

The Initiatives of Change Association (Canada), also known in French as Association Initiatives et Changement (Canada), is a registered Canadian nonprofit organization recognized under Business Registration Number 119045912RR0001. It serves as the national branch of the global Initiatives of Change (IofC) movement, which is dedicated to fostering trust across cultural, religious, and societal divides through personal and community transformation.

History and Background

Initiatives of Change originated globally as a movement with roots dating back to the Oxford Group in 1929 and Moral Re-Armament (MRA) founded in 1938. The name "Initiatives of Change" was adopted in 2001 to reflect a focus on societal change starting with personal change. The Canadian branch operates as a voluntary, donation- and grant-funded nonprofit association and acts as a central hub for a network of Canadian teams and individuals committed to community-based initiatives aimed at building peace and reconciliation[1][4].

Mission and Vision

The mission of Initiatives of Change Association (Canada) is to inspire, equip, and connect people to address local and global needs, beginning with themselves and moving towards collective action. It envisions a just, peaceful, and sustainable world where all individuals respond to a call of conscience, making unique contributions to society[3].

Activities and Focus Areas

Initiatives of Change Canada has a longstanding commitment to promoting effective intercultural, inter-religious, and intergenerational bridge-building, addressing societal divides through dialogue and collaboration[2]. Its projects often involve:

• Community reconciliation and healing efforts, including recognition and remembrance of Indigenous peoples affected by residential schools;
• Participation in national events such as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation;
• Peacebuilding initiatives, including the organization of annual Peace Days in Montreal;
• Environmental stewardship emphasizing respect for nature and sustainable practices.

The organization is also a founding member of the Collectif 21 Septembre, which received the Peace Builders Award for Collaboration in 2024, demonstrating its active role in peacebuilding coalitions[2].

Organizational Structure and Funding

As a registered charity recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency, Initiatives of Change Association (Canada) relies on donations, grants, and volunteer efforts to sustain its activities. It prioritizes transparency and efficiency in fund utilization, ensuring donations are used effectively to support its mission[1][3].

Global Context

As part of the international Initiatives of Change network headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Canadian association aligns with global principles emphasizing personal integrity, trust-building, and societal transformation without religious affiliation, although it respects all faiths[4]. This global association facilitates international conferences, campaigns, and collaborative projects to promote peace and understanding.

This article summarizes the role, mission, and activities of the Initiatives of Change Association (Canada) as a key player in the Canadian and global landscape of peacebuilding and community transformation initiatives.