What ICA Is: 1d
ICA inspires innovative action by others beyond itself This section continues the discussion begun in the preceding section (1c) concerning the relationship between the "institutional" management of ICA and action it inspires beyond itself. The Chicago Sustainability Leaders Network (CSLN) is an example...
Organizational Wisdom
What ICA Is: 1c
ICA responds to critical social issues through viable programs ICA stands in a tension and maintains a balance between two operational dimensions. One involves success as a functioning "institution" with a clear mission, effective programs, and sound management principles to ensure a continuity of...
What ICA is: 1b
ICA transcends polarities and social contradictions to create new alternatives Social pioneers are agents of change. They forge new responses in thinking and acting when it becomes apparent that failures and breakdowns within society are harming innocent people. In the past, such "social contradictions," which once seemed...
How ICA Works: 4a
ICA embodies an empathetic "presence" among those it serves When I first encountered ICA, known then as the Ecumenical Institute, it was a life-changing event. A major reason for this was the way staff interacted with those they served. They lived in Fifth City...
What ICA Does: 3a
ICA frames and designs its programs in a comprehensive context Joep Van Arendonk, Chief of Programs at the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), became acquainted with ICA in the 1980s. At an ICA global gathering in Bilbao, Spain, he spoke about his first...
What ICA Thinks: 2a
Effective action begins with what people have, not what they don't have Though an obvious first step when one thinks about it, beginning with what one has is not the typical starting point for most of us when making plans. Many begin with a...
What ICA is: 1a
ICA's Mission is to Build a just and equitable society in harmony with Planet Earth Effective mission statements describe the core purpose of an organization and say why it exists. While it is important for people within a work place to have a unifying...
ICA’s Principles, Values and Perspectives
The following chart is for those who seek to know more about ICA, its special character, and practical ways that it might continue as a leading organization in fostering social change around the world. Clickable chart of ICA organizational wisdom This chart serves as the...