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CISV is an independent, non-profit, volunteer organization promoting peace education and cross-cultural friendship, through multi-cultural camps and international exchange programs for youth ages 11-18.

Summer Travel Opportunities Still Available for Boys Age 10-11

Do you have a curious kid who wants to meet the world? Delegations of young ambassadors (age 11) are forming now for Summer Villages to Italy, France, and Mexico. Your child can make friends with children from all over the world and return a leader in the cause for peace. To learn more, contact our Recruiting Chair, Paulette Thomas, pthomaspgh@aol.com.

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Cisv Pittsburgh Chapter

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Who We Are

We are a global community of dedicated volunteers, creating opportunities for all ages to experience the excitement and enrichment of cultural diversity through our educational programs. We are founded on our belief that peace is possible through friendship - and that the real difference can be made by starting with children.

Our values: Friendship • Inclusiveness • Enthusiasm • Engagement • Cooperation

What We Do
CISV provides a range of unique, educational group activities, which develop cross-cultural understanding in children, youth and adults from around the world. By encouraging respect for cultural differences and the development of self-awareness, CISV empowers each participant to incorporate these values into their lives as they become global citizens and strive for a more peaceful world.

Our work focuses on the following key areas:
  1. We provide opportunities for individuals to learn by experience to live amicably with others irrespective of cultural background.
  2. We contribute through research to a science of international relations and non-violent conflict resolution.
  3. We cooperate with other organizations having similar purposes.
  4. We inspire people of all ages to strive for a more just and peaceful world.

Our History
"We must start with the children." ~ Dr. Doris Allen, founder
Following the devastation of World War II, many people were focusing on initiatives to build and maintain peace. One particular idea caught the attention of child psychologist, Dr. Doris Allen. It was a proposal for a UNESCO peace education institute for postgraduates from many disciplines. The idea for Children's International Summer Villages (today known as CISV International) was conceived by Dr. Allen in 1946. As a specialist in growth and development, Dr. Allen, could not agree that the focus for peace education should be in the field of adult learning. She firmly believed that “the ultimate source for peace, long range, lay with the children.”

From this conviction came her vision of bringing together children from all over the globe to learn to respect different and common values. In 1951, she realised her dream when delegates from eight countries gathered in Cincinnati, USA for the first Children’s International Summer Village (CISV). Over the decades, the organization grew in numbers, countries and activities. In 1979, Doris Allen was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize - the recipient that year was Mother Teresa.

Over 50 years after the first Village, this program remains the cornerstone of our international educational activities. CISV's range of programs has increased from one to six different types of international activities and from one village to around 180 international programs a year. Today CISV operates in over 60 countries and since 1951, more than 190,000 people have participated in more than 5000 international activities.

Our Programs
The building blocks of global friendship
At CISV we believe in building global friendship, starting with children. But that's not where it stops. While the Village program, for 11 year olds, is the cornerstone of our educational philosophy, it's just the first building block. We also offer a range of multicultural experiences to youth and adults, providing the opportunity to experience the CISV philosophy and live our values. Find out more about our exciting and diverse activities:

Program Age Group
Village  11
Interchange  12-15
Step Up  13-15
Seminar Camp  17-18
Youth Meeting  12-19+
International People's Project  19+
Mosaic  All ages
Junior Branch  11-25

CISV Chapters around the world host a range of programs for different age groups. We try to ensure that quality and general content are similar, no matter where the activity takes place. CISV also endeavors to keep participation fees as low as possible. There are opportunities to learn at the local, regional and international level. Participation begins at local CISV Chapter level, where members have the opportunity to apply for international experiences. We have six unique international programs starting with children from age 11. There are many additional opportunities for involvement for other age groups in these programs – ranging from Junior Counselors to adult Leaders.

Please see the "Programs" tab above for Pittsburgh Chapter program opportunities.

Pittsburgh Chapter Travel Programs for 2013

Do you want to be a leader and a global citizen? Are you interested in international peace education? Then consider applying to a CISV travel program.

CISV travel programs are not about tourism. They're about learning. They're about living and playing and thinking hard with people your own age from around the world. They're about issues that are important to all of us: conflict and resolution, cultural diversity, social justice, and sustainability. They're about making lifelong friends. And yes, they include a little sightseeing.

It is a great honor to be selected as a delegate or a leader to a CISV program, and your commitment to learning willinsure that you will return to Pittsburgh an active global citizen. Below you'll find descriptions of our programs and instructions on how to apply.
Some important details:

  • Delegates for summer programs must be the proper age on at least one day between June 1 and August 31.
  • Delegates for winter programs must be the proper age on at least one day between November 1 and January 31st.
  • Leaders and Junior Counselors must be the proper age by the first day of the program.
  • All delegates and leaders are expected to attend orientation and delegation meetings prior to travel.
  • Application Deadline: December 31, 2012

    After you review the material, we welcome the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have, and we will be happy to provide assistance in completing the application. If you are interested in traveling and do not see a program for which you are age-eligible, contact our Recruiting Chair, Paulette Thomas, at pthomaspgh@aol.com 412-916-5898.

  • Villages                                      Click here for forms
    The foundation for global friendship
    The Village is a unique four week international camp that was the original CISV programme and is still its flagship. Delegates to this multilingual and multicultural experience participate in a mix of educational, cultural and sporting activities, which emphasise cooperative global and intercultural living.
    Age 11 (Delegate must be age 11 between June 1 and August 31, 2013)
    Duration 28 Days
    Size of group Delegations from 10 - 12 countries. Each delegation comprises 2 boys and 2 girls with an adult leader (age 21+). The camp is coordinated by an adult staff supported by Junior Counsellors (age 16 - 17).

    • V-2013-018 Auvergne, FRANCE (Male Leader), July 12 to August 8
    • V-2013-030 Reggio Emilia, ITALY (Female Leader), July 5 to August 1
    • V-2013-035 Mexico City, MEXICO (Male Leader), July 5 to August 1

  • Interchange                          Click here for forms

  • Building intercultural competence
    While based on the same educational principles as CISV’s camp based programmes, Interchange encourages a deeper encounter between two cultures by placing young people within families. Group activities such as a mini-camp are vital in complementing the intense in-depth family experience. Interchange takes place in two phases with one delegation visiting another country and then reciprocating by hosting the delegation from the country they visited. Interchange is a profound intercultural experience for the whole family, and potentially the community in which they live.
    Age 12 - 13 (Delegate must be age 12 or 13 between June 1 and August 31, 2013)
    Duration 14 days per phase
    Size of group Delegations come from 2 countries and comprise 6 - 8 youth accompanied by an adult leader (age 21+)

    • I-2013-076 Bologna, ITALY (Male or Female Leader) HOST: July 1 to July 15 TRAVEL: July 17 to July 31 (Dates may vary as travel arrangements are confirmed.)

  • Step Up (formerly Summer Camp)                        Click here for forms

  • Building leadership skills
    Aimed at young teens, the Summer Camp encourages participants to take responsibility for leadership and program planning. Each camp focuses on a specific educational theme. Participants work together to plan activities and discussions which build on the chosen theme.
    Age 14 (Delegate must be age 14 between June 1 and August 31, 2013)
    Duration 23 Days
    Size of group Delegations come from 6 or 9 countries and are comprised of 2 girls and 2 boys, who are accompanied by an adult Leader (age 21+). The camp is coordinated by an adult staff.

    • o C-2013-022 Queretaro, MEXICO (Male or Female Leader), July 10 to August 1

    Junior Counselor (ages 16-17)     Click here for forms
    Travels independently to assist staff and director at an international Village
    Age 16 or 17 (Delegate must be age 16-17 on first day of program.)
    Duration 28 Days

    • V-2013-053 New York, NY, USA, Male, (July 5 to August 1)
    • V-2013-053 New York, NY, USA, Female (July 5 to August 1)


    Youth Meeting     Click here for forms
    Building skills and regional capacity
    Age 16-18 (Delegate must be age 16-18 between November 1, 2013 and Jan. 31, 2014)
    Duration 8 Days

    • Y-2013-038 Vasteras, SWEDEN, Male or Female, December 28, 2013-January 4, 2014


  • Seminar Camp (age 17-18)      Click here for forms

  • A dialogue for global friendship
    Individual participants from many nations share ideas and live together as a community.This personally challenging, intensive program is facilitated by the participants, within a framework that stresses positive conflict resolution. Seminar Camp fosters interest in the world as a whole and develops a sense of responsibility for its peaceful survival.
    Age 17-18 (Delegate must be age 17 or 18 between June 1 and August 31, 2013)
    Duration 21 Days


    • S-2013-004 Nykobing Falster, DENMARK, July 4 to July 24



    Leadership Application Forms              Click here for Leader forms



      2012-2013 Officers
    Office Name Email Address
    President  Kristin Kovacic kristinkovacic@gmail.com
    Vice President/Operations  Nancy Wolfson nawpgh@aol.com
    Vice President/Programs  Jennifer Burns burnsdill@aol.com
    Secretary  Leslie Zak leslievzak@gmail.com
    Treasurer  Paul Scherrer Paul.scherrer1@gmail.com
    Trustee  Meridee Lowry meridee.lowry@verizon.net
    Risk Manager  Rick Rogow rdrogow@gmail.com

      Committees
    Committee Members Email Address
    Recruiting  Paulette Thomas pthomaspgh@aol.com
    Newsletter  Kristin Kovacic kristinkovacic@gmail.com
    Giant Eagle  Paul Scherrer Paul.scherrer1@gmail.com
    Merchandise  Deb Hart col.dhart@verizon.net
    Insurance  Marie Golio Mgolio1@verizon.net
    Jr. Branch Advisor  Nancy Golio nancy.golio@gmail.com
    Jr. Branch Co-President  Rosalie Daniels rosaliedaniels@mac.com
    Jr. Branch Co-President  Joshua Zak zakjoshj@gmail.com
    Leader Training  Meridee Lowry meridee.lowry@verizon.net
    Web Site  Erastus Allen eza.cisv@mailnull.com
    Village Chair  Nancy Golio Nancy.golio@gmail.com
    Village Chair  Ann Anderson ann.v.anderson@gmail.com
    Interchange Chair  Cathy Bubash cbubash@alleghenycourts.us

      Contact Information
    Pittsburgh CISV Pittsburgh
    P.O. Box 24107
    Pittsburgh, PA 15206
    cisvpittsburgh@gmail.com
    National Ellen Miller
    1375 Kemper Meadow Drive
    Suite 9-H
    Cincinnati, OH 45240-1650
    Phone: 1-888-CISVUSA (1-888-247-8872)
    FAX: 1-888-686-CISV (1-888-686-2478)
    E-Mail: cisvusa@cisvusa.org
    Web Site: www.cisvusa.org

      Past Presidents
    Sandra Caffo, Founder 1989-1993
    Ann & Bruce Gabler 1993-1995
    Sylvia Leland 1995-1996
    Judy & Rick Matthews 1996-1998
    Terry Himes 1998-1999
    Susan Small & Ken Joseph 1999-2000
    Diane Redington 2000-2002
    Mary Wolf & Lucretia Anderson 2002-2003
    Pete Frischmann 2003-2004
    Terri Good 2004-2006
    Meridee Lowry 2006-2007
    Meridee Lowry 2007-2008
    Terry Holtz 2008-2010





         All families are encouraged to participate in the meetings to make our chapter better and stronger! We all made a commitment to volunteer when our kids were selected to travel; do your part! JB meetings are held at the same time/location as the adult meetings.

    Pictures


         


    Junior Branch

    The Junior Branch organization is open for membership to all pre-adult members of CISV Pittsburgh Chapter families. There are no special dues, and ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

      2012-2013 Officers
    Office Name Email Address
    Co-President  Rosalie Daniels rosaliedaniels@mac.com
    Co-President  Joshua Zak zakjoshj@gmail.com
    Vice President  Janny Petzinger petzingerjanis@yahoo.com
    Secretary  Danielle Walewski danigirl7187@hotmail.com
    Treasurer  Kyle Austin pgaustin16@comcast.com
    Historian  Charlie Orr orrc@winchesterthurston.org
    Advisor  Nancy Golio nancy.golio@gmail.com
    Advisor  Lindsey Meyers lindseymyers86@gmail.com


    Volunteering and Support

         
          Volunteers are often needed for help with Village, Interchange, Summer Camp, Leaders, Public Relations, Newsletter, Junior Branch Advisor, Hospitality, and Local Work.    Please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Kristin Kovacic kristinkovacic@gmail.com your name, phone, e-mail, child's name and your area of interest and we will contact you about our needs.

    Donate by using Giant Eagle Certificates

         Pittsburgh supporters can purchase Giant Eagle Certificates at face value and CISV will receive money back from Giant Eagle.  This is a way in which families can help fundraise without any cost to themselves. You can buy Giant Eagle gift certificates for CISV fundraising from:
    Paul Scherrer   cisv.pitt.treasurer@gmail.com

    Other Donations

    United Way Donations

         Support may also be made by designating part or all of your United Way contribution to CISV. United Way's telephone number is: (412) 261-6010.  The United Way Directed Donation number is 731
    .

    Follow the links below to view our Newsletters

         
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    August 2010