International Association of Charities AIC

Founded in 1617 AIC is the eldest organization of lay women in the world. Today it joins 250.000 local volunteers, women working the social field, organized in 52 national associations or groups. Their activities are based on common criteria (guidelines). AIC is stressing on qualified volunteer work, empowerment, participation of the poor and networking by concrete projects and political action favouring justice and peace. However AIC members are independent associations with equal rights. They decide on their own projects corresponding to particular and prevailing requirements. Worldwide AIC member’s activities are focused on women and their specific needs: Education and training, health care, fight against violence, community development, creation of jobs, and micro-credits. Special target groups are: Single mothers, the elderly, ethnic minorities, migrants, orphans from AIDS, poor families, and women suffering from extreme poverty, illiteracy, and violence. On the international level AIC is offering to its members exchange, partnership/twinning, the evaluation of projects and training on participative leadership, the MDG, networking and technical skills.