Who we are
The association is a branch of an international organization that includes 31 branches and 14 contact persons from around the world. The Israeli branch of the international organization began its organized activity in 1991 and has been registered in Israel as a non-profit organization since 2013. The association promotes brotherhood and understanding among peoples and cultures through professional and multicultural learning, offering unique exchange programs that include home hospitality and participation in the organization’s international conferences.
Our Activities
The association contributes to the professional development of social workers, psychologists, and related professionals in the social and behavioral sciences who work in education and therapy. It encourages interest and participation in international professional exchange programs organized by CIF (Council of International Fellowship) and CIPUSA (Council of International Programs USA).Since 1997, the association has organized training programs in Israel and hosts international professionals annually (except for 2020–2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). It also supports Israeli professionals in participating in training programs and international conferences through the organization.
CIF – Council of International Fellowship
An umbrella organization of volunteers working to promote professionals in the social and behavioral sciences. The organization has a long history of fostering international fellowship through professional and cultural advancement. Every member of the international organization has participated in an exchange program either in their own country or abroad. www.cifinternational.com
CIPUSA – Council of International Programs USA
Founded in 1956, this parent organization was established to create a global professional network and provide international training programs for professionals. Since its founding, approximately 15,000 professionals from 147 countries have participated in its diverse training programs.www.cipusa.org
History
The origins of CIF lie within CIPUSA. The founder, Dr. Henry B. Ollendorff, a lawyer and social worker, was forced to flee Nazi Germany in 1938 and immigrated to the United States, where he pursued studies and work in social work. Dr. Ollendorff’s vision was to create opportunities for youth leaders and social workers from different countries to meet and learn from each other through international professional-cultural exchange programs, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the atrocities of World War II. The program, which began in Cleveland, Ohio, attracted professionals from around the world seeking training in diverse fields. Participants returned to their home countries enriched with insights and experience and initiated the establishment of an international organization—CIF—which was officially registered in Bonn, Germany, in 1960.
The Association's Purpose
The purpose of the association is to contribute to the development of therapeutic and educational approaches and methods, treatment strategies, and solutions to social problems, thereby promoting international peace and fellowship.
Goals of the Association:
Our Activities
The association contributes to the professional development of social workers, psychologists, and related professionals in the social and behavioral sciences who work in education and therapy. It encourages interest and participation in international professional exchange programs organized by CIF (Council of International Fellowship) and CIPUSA (Council of International Programs USA).Since 1997, the association has organized training programs in Israel and hosts international professionals annually (except for 2020–2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). It also supports Israeli professionals in participating in training programs and international conferences through the organization.
CIF – Council of International Fellowship
An umbrella organization of volunteers working to promote professionals in the social and behavioral sciences. The organization has a long history of fostering international fellowship through professional and cultural advancement. Every member of the international organization has participated in an exchange program either in their own country or abroad. www.cifinternational.com
CIPUSA – Council of International Programs USA
Founded in 1956, this parent organization was established to create a global professional network and provide international training programs for professionals. Since its founding, approximately 15,000 professionals from 147 countries have participated in its diverse training programs.www.cipusa.org
History
The origins of CIF lie within CIPUSA. The founder, Dr. Henry B. Ollendorff, a lawyer and social worker, was forced to flee Nazi Germany in 1938 and immigrated to the United States, where he pursued studies and work in social work. Dr. Ollendorff’s vision was to create opportunities for youth leaders and social workers from different countries to meet and learn from each other through international professional-cultural exchange programs, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the atrocities of World War II. The program, which began in Cleveland, Ohio, attracted professionals from around the world seeking training in diverse fields. Participants returned to their home countries enriched with insights and experience and initiated the establishment of an international organization—CIF—which was officially registered in Bonn, Germany, in 1960.
The Association's Purpose
The purpose of the association is to contribute to the development of therapeutic and educational approaches and methods, treatment strategies, and solutions to social problems, thereby promoting international peace and fellowship.
Goals of the Association:
- To enable professionals from various countries and cultures to share knowledge and experience through mutual learning in Israel.
- To introduce international professionals to the cultural and social structure of Israel, its professional services, and its cultural diversity.
- To provide Israeli professionals with opportunities for professional and cultural exchange in countries that are members of the organization.
- To familiarize participants with professional work in the fields of welfare, education, society, and culture in Israel.
- To provide an understanding of Israel’s social and cultural structure as an immigration-absorbing society.
- To create goodwill ambassadors for Israel around the world after their participation in the training program.
- To provide direct exposure to diverse lifestyles and cultures within Israel.
- Enhancing sensitivity to diversity;
- Increasing tolerance and patience among individuals;
- Strengthening and shaping the professional identity of participants;
- Facilitating mutual professional learning;
- Encouraging cooperation in the development of initiatives.
