» About CISV Jax

CISV Jacksonville…Building Peace since 1976

About CISV Jacksonville

CISV Jacksonville (founded 1976) helps participants develop skills to become informed, responsible and active global citizens to make a difference in our community and the world. We believe peace is possible through mutual understanding, and offer seven international programs starting at age 11. We also have a variety of local programs, including FACES of Jacksonville (brings together 11 year-olds from across diverse Jacksonville neighborhoods and backgrounds), Junior Branch and mini-camps. CISV Jacksonville is one of 22 CISV chapters in the US (only one in Florida) and one of 70 chapters around the world.

CISV (founded 1950) is a global organization dedicated to educating and inspiring for peace through building inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding. In more than 60 years CISV has given countless children and young people the experience of their lives and the opportunity to build lasting friendships through its international educational programs.

The CISV Jacksonville chapter started in 1976 and the first Jacksonville Village was held in 1978.

Chapter History

Dare to dream. Doris Allen did that in developing the concept of CISV. Like Doris, Dorothy Groshell was a creative thinker. After reading an article about CISV in The Saturday Review entitled “Catch Them While They’re Young,” Dorothy was excited by the opportunities CISV could offer her young sons. Learning that there was no Chapter in Jacksonville, she set about starting one.

After attending a CISV National Board Meeting in 1975, Dorothy returned to Jacksonville with Village invitations to Hexham, England and Detroit, Michigan and a Junior Counselor invitation to the Gulf Coast Village. The first Interchange with El Salvador was begun in 1976. Delegate families and leaders from these programs formed the nucleus of the Steering Committee.

Jacksonville’s first Village was held in 1978 with Ken Hammel as director. Doris Allen and Hildreth Miller were special guests. Dorothy was the guiding force in the production of “The Children in the Sun Village” film which captured highlights of the first Village.

Wanting to expand experiences, the Chapter held a Seminar Camp in 1983 and its first Summer Camp in 1992. Many local families were involved in hosting the 1986 CISV International Board Meeting on behalf of CISV-USA. Doris Allen was an honored guest when the Chapter celebrated its 20th Anniversary 1996 at the Bartram School campus, the site of the first Village.

Dorothy’s special spirit and boundless energy in founding the Chapter have resulted in unique experiences for many youth and adults in the Jacksonville area. Thanks to the efforts of the Chapter members and the annual Extravaganza fundraiser, the Chapter hosts a Village every two years.

Even as she battled cancer, Dorothy remained upbeat. Her death on July 4, 1995 did not diminish her dream. In 2016, the Chapter celebrated its 40th year. Dorothy Groshell’s vision continues today:

“The variety of international experiences CISV offers our children expand their horizon of global understanding and tolerance in hopes of world peace.”

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Participant, age 15

“CISV is a way to learn new things and new ideas that I have never heard before. It is also a place where I can express myself fully. “

2014-05-03T01:46:23+00:00

“CISV is a way to learn new things and new ideas that I have never heard before. It is also a place where I can express myself fully. “

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/participant-age-15-2/

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/

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/

Bradley, age 17

“CISV has totally changed my life. It has make me way more interested in international affairs and that is what I am going to do with my life.”

2014-05-03T01:38:20+00:00

“CISV has totally changed my life. It has make me way more interested in international affairs and that is what I am going to do with my life.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/bradley-age-17/

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/

Brittney, age 22

“CISV has introduced me to wonderful people that I can grow with.”

2014-05-03T01:39:49+00:00

“CISV has introduced me to wonderful people that I can grow with.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/brittney-age-22/

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/

Rachel, Youth Meeting Delegate, age 14

The best part was meeting people. One of my best memories was the last night of the youth meeting. I learned about sustainable development goals. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations that it was worth it.

2016-09-15T13:45:52+00:00

The best part was meeting people. One of my best memories was the last night of the youth meeting. I learned about sustainable development goals. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations that it was worth it.

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/rachel-youth-meeting-delegate-age-14/

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/

Stephanie, age 26

“CISV has helped me realize the importance of listening and being quiet at times when that may not be my first instinct.”

2014-05-03T01:47:07+00:00

“CISV has helped me realize the importance of listening and being quiet at times when that may not be my first instinct.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/stephanie-age-26-2/

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/

Gabby, age 14

“I learned about leadership and about myself and to be myself at Step-Up camp. I was surprised by how close the staff and leaders were with the delegates. I wish I could share the whole experience with everybody.”

2015-08-22T20:50:48+00:00

“I learned about leadership and about myself and to be myself at Step-Up camp. I was surprised by how close the staff and leaders were with the delegates. I wish I could share the whole experience with everybody.”

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

Kathryn, age 17

“We do a lot of situation games, which are my favorite. They put you in uncomfortable situations, where people aren’t treated the same. It is that way in the world and it makes you more aware.”

2014-05-03T01:36:52+00:00

“We do a lot of situation games, which are my favorite. They put you in uncomfortable situations, where people aren’t treated the same. It is that way in the world and it makes you more aware.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/kathryn-age-17/

Sid, age 14

“I learned how to live with a bunch of other people at Step-Up and changed my mind about judging people based on first impressions. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations how Step-Up was one of the best experiences of my life.”

2015-08-22T20:51:47+00:00

“I learned how to live with a bunch of other people at Step-Up and changed my mind about judging people based on first impressions. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations how Step-Up was one of the best experiences of my life.”

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

Bradley, age 17

“CISV is an organization that allows people to connect and learn about other cultures.”

2014-05-03T01:45:39+00:00

“CISV is an organization that allows people to connect and learn about other cultures.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/bradley-age-17-3/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

Stephanie, age 26

“CISV is a safe space for dialogue, disagreements and lots of hugs.”

2014-05-03T01:47:32+00:00

“CISV is a safe space for dialogue, disagreements and lots of hugs.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/stephanie-age-26-3/

Participant, age 16

“CISV has given me the chance to evolve into the person I am today.”

2014-05-03T01:40:49+00:00

“CISV has given me the chance to evolve into the person I am today.”

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

Fiona, Village delegate, age 11

The most important thing that I learned about myself is that I am very strong and independent. I can do things now that I did not think I could do. I believe in myself a lot. The best part was meeting people from around the world. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations to make View Full →

2016-09-15T13:51:37+00:00

The most important thing that I learned about myself is that I am very strong and independent. I can do things now that I did not think I could do. I believe in myself a lot. The best part was meeting people from around the world. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations to make View Full →

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

Brittney, age 22

“CISV is an organization that allows youth and adults to challenge mindsets to better understand those in our communities and around the world.”

2014-05-03T01:47:55+00:00

“CISV is an organization that allows youth and adults to challenge mindsets to better understand those in our communities and around the world.”

http://www.cisvjax.org/testimonials/brittney-age-22-2/

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/
Recent Blog Posts
Contact Info

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

CISV Jacksonville…Building Peace since 1976

Download CISV Jacksonville Fact Sheet Look at some fun we had in Summer 2017

Read about us “In the News”

See who’s on the local board

About CISV Jacksonville

Chapter History

Email Sign-Up

Participant, age 15

Rushil, age 13

Sammy, age 16

Bradley, age 17

Anya, age 12

Brittney, age 22

Sidney, age 12

Rachel, Youth Meeting Delegate, age 14

Carley, age 11

Stephanie, age 26

Ripley, Interchange participant, age 13

Gabby, age 14

Kathryn, age 17

Sid, age 14

Bradley, age 17

11 year old Village delegate

15 year old participant

Tom, age 27

Carley, age 11

Sammy, age 16

Stephanie, age 26

Participant, age 16

Fiona, Village delegate, age 11

Participant, age 16

Stephanie, age 26

Olivia N., age 12

CISV Volunteer

Sidney, age 12

11-year-old Village delegate

Kristin, age 13

Chris, age 14

Ani, age 14

Brittney, age 22

JB Leader, age 17

Recent Blog Posts

Contact Info

Download CISV Jacksonville Fact Sheet

Look at some fun we had in Summer 2017