The basic ideas of IofC

Initiatives of Change (IofC) works on the principle that changes in people's motives, attitudes and behaviour are not only possible but are the only sure basis on which wider lasting change in society can be brought about. This is the experience of millions of people, whether involved in IofC or not, who have decided to start the 'change process' in their own lives. It often begins with a person's moral and spiritual response to the needs of the world. 'Starting with myself' may sound too simple, but there is a certain logic to it. Do I want to see peace in the world? How about starting with my own relationship with family and neighbours? Do I want to see an end to corruption and crime? Why not begin by being honest and trustworthy myself? The experiences of Initiatives of Change show, as a trade union leader put it, that 'when people change, the structure of society changes; and when the structure of society changes, people change. Both go together and both are necessary.' Initiatives of Change proposes some tools for this process of inner transformation:

• A daily time of silence where we listen to our conscience or 'inner voice'- for people of faith, the leading of God - for direction and correction;
• Seeking to apply absolute moral values of honesty, purity, unselfishness and love to daily life; restoring, where possible, for past mistakes, and embracing new motivation;
• Seeking and deepening our roots in our own religious tradition, and discovering what our faith means in practice; and for people of no particular faith, making the experiment of responding to the call of conscience and compassion;
• Open, honest dialogue between people of different backgrounds.

Sometimes this change is radical and occurs quickly, at other times it is quite simple and takes place over a period of time. The initiatives of change start with ourselves but don't stop there. When people share their experiences with others, this often triggers a chain reaction. In our people section you can read stories of how a personal decision can have profound implications. Read more about what IofC stands for

Download introductory brochure about IofC UK

Objectives

Initiatives of Change (IofC) is focussed around the interaction of people, whether few or many, in homes, small or large groups, personal encounters, training courses, and local or international conferences. For over 70 years IofC has brought people of diverse backgrounds and faiths together. It has provided a rallying point for individuals and teams to work for justice, healing and human development, based on personal change starting in their own lives.

Current initiatives are aimed at:

• Healing the wounds of history that sustain cycles of revenge, especially where cultures and civilizations meet.
• Strengthening the moral and spiritual dimensions of democracy, so challenging selfish interests and corruption.
• Helping individuals and families to counter the climate of blame and selfishness with a culture of care and personal responsibility.
• Strengthening the motivation of care and moral commitment in economic life and thinking, in order to create jobs, correct economic and environmental imbalance, and tackle the root causes of poverty.
• Rebuilding a sense of community and hope in cities and tackling the causes of racial and communal discrimination.
• Forging networks among people from different cultures and faiths based on a shared commitment to work for reconciliation, justice, and peace.

These aims are taken forward through IofC's range of programmes and by committed individuals and teams around the country.