During the 1960’s, some branches of the Ladies of Charity began to feel the need of renewal. In many countries, the word “Ladies” which appeared in the title was seen to be no longer suitable. In 1971, delegates from 22 associations met in an Extraordinary Assembly and voted a new Constitution and By-Laws and officially adopted the name International Association of Charities (AIC).
AIC is now present in many countries of Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia and Africa. It counts 42 associations, with more than 250,000 members, all committed to carry out, in a way adapted to our times, the fundamental plan of St. Vincent de Paul, their Founder ” Acting together against all forms of poverty. ”
As a worldwide association, AIC is conscious of the fact that it has a role to play on the international level. To fulfill this role, its associations are represented with governmental and nongovernmental organizations. AIC has consultative status with UNESCO, ECOSOC and the European Parliament. It collaborates with many other bodies, at a supranational level and it participates in networks and exchanges. It is a member of CIAS (International Committee for Social Action), the ICO Conference (International Catholic Organiza-tions), and of WUCWO (World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations).
Participation in initiatives in favour of women is coherent with AIC’s goals. Being from its origin an association of women, it pays particular attention to the situation of poor women, doubly penalized because they are women and are marginalized. AIC always strives to gain greater knowledge of the needs of these women, as well as the situations of injustice and violence in which they live.
International website: http://www.aic-international.org/en/index.php
AIC – UK
Became a full rights member in February 2005 and has 20 members in Glasgow, Liverpool and London. It is currently recruiting new members in other parts of the country. Its members work for social inclusion and community enrichment through practical integration projects with deaf people, blind people, homeless people, housebound elderly people, the bereaved and people in debt. It is involved in lobbying on poverty related issues, promotes Fair Trade Campaigns and supports a children’s project in Haiti.
Contact:
Christine Crump (AIC)
426 Hurst Road
Bexley
Kent DA5 3JR
Tel 01322 528872
Email: ckcrump@hotmail.com