» About Us

CISV Inspires Action for a More Just and Peaceful World

Educating and inspiring for peace through building
inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding.

Founded in 1950, CISV now has 60 Member Associations with more than 200 Chapters. In more than 60 years we have given almost 300,000 young people the opportunity to build lasting friendships through our international educational programs. CISV Jacksonville was founded in 1976 and has provided generations of First Coast children with experiences of a lifetime.

Our innovative, fun, non-formal peace education ‘learning by doing’ programs begin with our original Village program for 11-year-olds. We offer an exciting blend of international camp-based, family exchange and local community programs. Our participants develop skills to become informed, responsible and active global citizens and make a difference in their communities and the world. The glue that underpins all programs is friendship, in line with our founding belief that peace is possible through friendship and mutual understanding.

View Activate Newsletter 2012 to learn more about global programs.

Our values

Friendship
Inclusiveness
Enthusiasm
Engagement
Cooperation

Let us know how we can help you get involved!

Email Sign-Up

The best way to keep updated on CISVJax is to receive our free monthly e-newsletter!
Email Address:required
11 year old Village delegate

“I learned to be peaceful, to solve quarrels without violence, create win-win situations and not to judge people.”

2015-08-22T20:46:29+00:00

“I learned to be peaceful, to solve quarrels without violence, create win-win situations and not to judge people.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/11-year-old-village-delegate/

Mia, Interchange delegate, age 13

I was surprised by the variety of Italy. The people in my delegation were fun to be around. The people in the Italian delegation were also very fun and energetic. I learned that you can be close to anyone even if you don’t speak the same language. My parents loved having a guest. My partner View Full →

2016-09-15T13:54:20+00:00

I was surprised by the variety of Italy. The people in my delegation were fun to be around. The people in the Italian delegation were also very fun and energetic. I learned that you can be close to anyone even if you don’t speak the same language. My parents loved having a guest. My partner View Full →

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/mia-interchange-delegate-age-13/

JB Leader, age 17

CISV has impacted every facet of my life in the sense of making new friends, having new experiences, traveling the world and learning to be a leader. It has shaped me as a person.

2014-05-03T01:35:06+00:00

CISV has impacted every facet of my life in the sense of making new friends, having new experiences, traveling the world and learning to be a leader. It has shaped me as a person.

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/jb-leader-age-17/

Lauren, age 16

“CISV is an organization that teaches kids how to be good leaders in their communities.”

2014-05-03T01:46:46+00:00

“CISV is an organization that teaches kids how to be good leaders in their communities.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/lauren-age-16/

Ani, age 14

“The other people in my delegation were awesome. I could tell them anything. I was surprised by how much we (the youth delegates) controlled the camp. I learned advanced leadership skills and how to better make friends at Step-Up.”

2015-08-22T20:51:14+00:00

“The other people in my delegation were awesome. I could tell them anything. I was surprised by how much we (the youth delegates) controlled the camp. I learned advanced leadership skills and how to better make friends at Step-Up.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/ani-age-14/

Ani, Step Up delegate, age 15

The best part was meeting and getting to know everyone. I was disappointed by how fast the time went. The other people in my delegation were amazing. I love them all. I learned better leadership skills and how to learn to communicate with the non-fluent English speakers. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations to View Full →

2016-09-15T13:52:24+00:00

The best part was meeting and getting to know everyone. I was disappointed by how fast the time went. The other people in my delegation were amazing. I love them all. I learned better leadership skills and how to learn to communicate with the non-fluent English speakers. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations to View Full →

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/ani-step-up-delegate-age-15/

Rushil, age 13

“My interchange partner and I went to his river house and had a camping trip and also went on a metro. I learned how to get together as a team could help. The hardest part was leaving my partner. I wish I could tell future CISV delegations how much fun it is.”

2015-08-22T20:48:27+00:00

“My interchange partner and I went to his river house and had a camping trip and also went on a metro. I learned how to get together as a team could help. The hardest part was leaving my partner. I wish I could tell future CISV delegations how much fun it is.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/rushil-age-13/

Participant, age 16

“CISV has become such a huge part of my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the friends I’ve make or experiences I’ve enjoyed.”

2014-05-03T01:43:51+00:00

“CISV has become such a huge part of my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the friends I’ve make or experiences I’ve enjoyed.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/participant-age-16-2/

Parklyn, Village delegate, age 11

My understanding of the world was affected by participating in a CISV Village because I realized that even though we come from totally different places we are all human. Though we are all different, we can be friends. An activity during Village that taught me a lot was rich & poor day. This had a View Full →

2016-09-15T13:47:43+00:00

My understanding of the world was affected by participating in a CISV Village because I realized that even though we come from totally different places we are all human. Though we are all different, we can be friends. An activity during Village that taught me a lot was rich & poor day. This had a View Full →

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/parklyn-village-delegate-age-11/

Erin, age 16

“CISV creates an opportunity for people to learn about the world, cultural diversity and how to make a difference in the world.”

2014-05-03T01:34:19+00:00

“CISV creates an opportunity for people to learn about the world, cultural diversity and how to make a difference in the world.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/erin-age-16/

Stephanie, age 26

“CISV has encouraged me to be more patient, fostered critical thinking skills, and has given me hope that change is possible.”

2014-05-03T01:41:11+00:00

“CISV has encouraged me to be more patient, fostered critical thinking skills, and has given me hope that change is possible.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/stephanie-age-26/

15 year old participant

“I participate in important things I would never have thought of doing before and also I feel much more confident about myself and my place in the world.”

2014-05-03T01:38:45+00:00

“I participate in important things I would never have thought of doing before and also I feel much more confident about myself and my place in the world.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/15-year-old-participant/

Sammy, age 16

“CISV means opening your mind. It means making yourself award, learning and making friends.”

2014-05-03T01:45:59+00:00

“CISV means opening your mind. It means making yourself award, learning and making friends.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/sammy-age-16-3/

CISV Volunteer

“CISV makes me believe that a better world is possible and because we’re actually working for it.”

2013-09-01T01:54:51+00:00

“CISV makes me believe that a better world is possible and because we’re actually working for it.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/cisv-volunteer-2/

Emily, age 13

“CISV means learning about different cultures and making friends from all other the world.”

2014-05-03T01:43:23+00:00

“CISV means learning about different cultures and making friends from all other the world.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/emily-age-13-2/

Kristin, age 13

“My interchange partner and I were basically sisters. We had a lot of fun together. The best part of the interchange were the people in the delegations.”

2015-08-22T20:48:55+00:00

“My interchange partner and I were basically sisters. We had a lot of fun together. The best part of the interchange were the people in the delegations.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/kristin-age-13/

CISV Volunteer

“It is difficult to convey to new parents how profound the CISV experience is when they are looking at CISV for the first time.”

2013-09-01T01:53:54+00:00

“It is difficult to convey to new parents how profound the CISV experience is when they are looking at CISV for the first time.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/cisv-volunteer/

Sammy, age 16

“CISV has made me more understanding. It has given me the ability to open my mind and the minds of those around me.”

2014-05-03T01:41:32+00:00

“CISV has made me more understanding. It has given me the ability to open my mind and the minds of those around me.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/sammy-age-16/

Carley, age 11

“Never judge a person by the cover and to always respect everyone and be nice to everyone.”

2014-05-03T01:42:17+00:00

“Never judge a person by the cover and to always respect everyone and be nice to everyone.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/carley-age-11/

Carley, age 11

“CISV means to me that being family isn’t just blood.”

2014-05-03T01:49:34+00:00

“CISV means to me that being family isn’t just blood.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/carley-age-11-2/

Emily, age 13

“I have learned to tolerate and be more open to people who are different.”

2014-05-03T01:48:50+00:00

“I have learned to tolerate and be more open to people who are different.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/emily-age-13-3/

Olivia K., age 14

“I learned a lot about walking in other people’s shoes and world conflicts. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations that they should enjoy every minute of camp.”

2015-08-22T20:52:08+00:00

“I learned a lot about walking in other people’s shoes and world conflicts. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations that they should enjoy every minute of camp.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/olivia-k-age-14/

11-year-old Village delegate

“I learned to be non-prejudiced, to respect others and their differences and to always choose kindness.”

2015-08-22T20:47:01+00:00

“I learned to be non-prejudiced, to respect others and their differences and to always choose kindness.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/11-year-old-village-delegate-2/

Interchange delegate, age 13

“The best part was getting to know my interchange partner and the other delegation. My partner and I got along really well. We connected even though I am shy. My parents had a lot of fun hosting our interchange partner. They really liked her. One of the hardest parts was saying goodbye.”

2015-08-22T20:50:18+00:00

“The best part was getting to know my interchange partner and the other delegation. My partner and I got along really well. We connected even though I am shy. My parents had a lot of fun hosting our interchange partner. They really liked her. One of the hardest parts was saying goodbye.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/interchange-delegate-age-13/

Chris, age 14

“I think it teaches kids a lot of important lessons. It teaches that you can talk things out instead of fighting.”

2014-05-03T01:37:28+00:00

“I think it teaches kids a lot of important lessons. It teaches that you can talk things out instead of fighting.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/chris-age-14/

Olivia N., age 12

“The best memory from my interchange was hanging out as a group. My partner and I had a lot of fun together and I was disappointed when we had to leave Norway.”

2015-08-22T20:48:02+00:00

“The best memory from my interchange was hanging out as a group. My partner and I had a lot of fun together and I was disappointed when we had to leave Norway.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/olivia-n-age-12/

Cecilia, Interchange participant, age 12

I wish I could share how much Interchange affected me. My partner and I became the best of friends and shared great memories together. The people in the other delegation were really fun to get along with. I learned that every culture is different and when in Interchange you have to go with the flow. View Full →

2016-09-15T13:53:33+00:00

I wish I could share how much Interchange affected me. My partner and I became the best of friends and shared great memories together. The people in the other delegation were really fun to get along with. I learned that every culture is different and when in Interchange you have to go with the flow. View Full →

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/cecilia-interchange-participant-age-12/

Anya, age 12

“CISV is a place where no one will judge you about being yourself.”

2014-05-03T01:49:11+00:00

“CISV is a place where no one will judge you about being yourself.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/anya-age-12/

Ben, Interchange participant, age 12

I wish I could share this experience with everyone in the world. My partner and I became very close. The people in my delegation were awesome. The people in the Italian delegaton were awesome as well. One of my best memories was teaching the Italians how to play American football. I’d like to tell future View Full →

2016-09-15T13:54:00+00:00

I wish I could share this experience with everyone in the world. My partner and I became very close. The people in my delegation were awesome. The people in the Italian delegaton were awesome as well. One of my best memories was teaching the Italians how to play American football. I’d like to tell future View Full →

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/ben-interchange-participant-age-12/

Sidney, age 12

“CISV is an interactive and fun way to learn about things that I may not have ever subconsciously thought about before. The experience is very important to me.”

2014-05-03T01:45:15+00:00

“CISV is an interactive and fun way to learn about things that I may not have ever subconsciously thought about before. The experience is very important to me.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/sidney-age-12-2/

Tom, age 27

“Allowing every individual person in a group to have a voice, no matter their opinion, age, etc.”

2014-05-03T01:44:48+00:00

“Allowing every individual person in a group to have a voice, no matter their opinion, age, etc.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/tom-age-27/

Ripley, Interchange participant, age 13

I was surprised by how close we all became. My partner and I were very similar. The other people in my delegation were really great and I hope we stay friends. I wish I had known how great it would be so I would not have been so nervous. I’d like to tell future CISV View Full →

2016-09-15T13:53:03+00:00

I was surprised by how close we all became. My partner and I were very similar. The other people in my delegation were really great and I hope we stay friends. I wish I had known how great it would be so I would not have been so nervous. I’d like to tell future CISV View Full →

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/ripley-interchange-participant-age-13/

Sidney, age 12

“A very valuable less that I’ve learned is one about awareness and not being selfish or close-minded.”

2014-05-03T01:43:02+00:00

“A very valuable less that I’ve learned is one about awareness and not being selfish or close-minded.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/sidney-age-12/

Olivia H., age 14

“My partner and I are best friends. The other people in my delegation were awesome. Our delegations got along so well. When I talk about my CISV experience with my American friends think I actually have a special life.”

2015-08-22T20:49:25+00:00

“My partner and I are best friends. The other people in my delegation were awesome. Our delegations got along so well. When I talk about my CISV experience with my American friends think I actually have a special life.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/olivia-h-age-14/
Recent Blog Posts
Contact Info

1650 Margaret Street, Suite 302 PMB# 279 Jacksonville, FL 32204 Phone: (904) 616-1390 [email protected]

CISV Inspires Action for a More Just and Peaceful World

Educating and inspiring for peace through building inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding.

Our values

Email Sign-Up

11 year old Village delegate

Mia, Interchange delegate, age 13

JB Leader, age 17

Lauren, age 16

Ani, age 14

Ani, Step Up delegate, age 15

Rushil, age 13

Participant, age 16

Parklyn, Village delegate, age 11

Erin, age 16

Stephanie, age 26

15 year old participant

Sammy, age 16

CISV Volunteer

Emily, age 13

Kristin, age 13

CISV Volunteer

Sammy, age 16

Carley, age 11

Carley, age 11

Emily, age 13

Olivia K., age 14

11-year-old Village delegate

Interchange delegate, age 13

Chris, age 14

Olivia N., age 12

Cecilia, Interchange participant, age 12

Anya, age 12

Ben, Interchange participant, age 12

Sidney, age 12

Tom, age 27

Ripley, Interchange participant, age 13

Sidney, age 12

Olivia H., age 14

Recent Blog Posts

Contact Info

Educating and inspiring for peace through building
inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding.