CISV New York is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that has been in operation since 1977. Fully run by volunteers, we have over 200 active members and families, with support from thousands more.
Also known as the New York chapter of CISV USA, we belong to a network of more than 20 chapters in our national association, which in turn is one of more than 60 national associations within CISV International. We are part of a network of more than 200 local CISV chapters around the world!
Our chapter includes:
- New York City’s five boroughs
- Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties of New York
- Central, Western and Northern New Jersey
- Long Island
- Connecticut
CISV has been recognized by the United Nations and the White House for its success in promoting the ideals of international cooperation and global peace. The CISV NY chapter also proudly celebrates that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a co-founder of our chapter and board member, helping establish the NY chapter in CISV’s second decade of existence.
Here are letters sent by the White House, the United Nations, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to CISV USA headquarters in Cincinnati, OH on CISV’s 50th anniversary in 2001:
Activities and events hosted by the CISV NY chapter include:
- Mosaic Faces of New York: A one-week fully-subsidized residential summer camp for local 11- and 12-year-olds, providing a fun and safe environment for a diverse group of children to learn what it means to be a global citizen and live harmoniously with others. For more information, contact mosaicny@cisvusa.org.
- CISV NY Gives Back: Various community service projects spearheaded by youth participants to inspire local action for a more just and peaceful world. Projects thus far include rescuing unused produce and delivering it to neighbors in need, park cleanups, food drives, free yoga lessons, and participation in various local demonstrations that align with CISV’s goals.
- Junior Branch (JB): The backbone of our chapter, all members of CISV NY ages 9–25 are automatically part of the Junior Branch. The JB is run by their own Junior Board. Events include two minicamps per year, and various ongoing activities in alignment with our mission. For more information, contact the JB advisors at jbadvisor-ny@cisvusa.org.
- Minicamps: Two annual weekend camps (Fall and Spring) open to all kids ages 10+ (members and non-members), organized and run by the Junior Branch. Minicamps are hosted outside of the city and lots of fun!
- Delegations: Our chapter sends delegations (usually groups of four kids and an adult leader) to various international camps in the summer and during school breaks. For more information, see Programs.
- Friendraiser: An annual social event with cocktails and dinner hosted in the Fall.
- There are numerous other events throughout the year. Please put your name on our mailing list for e-blast updates and check out the Events page.
Membership in the New York Chapter is open to all persons who subscribe to the objectives of the chapter. There are two types of membership: individual and family. Individual Memberships are available to persons 21 and older. Family Memberships include parent(s) or guardian(s) and all children of the family younger than 21.
Our objectives are:
- To further the purposes of CISV (to educate and inspire action for a more just and peaceful world) and adhere to its policies.
- To cooperate with the National and International associations of CISV in furthering and promoting the understanding of all peoples in the interest of world peace and world citizenship.
- To further, foster and promote such understanding in the New York Tri-State area.
- To sponsor CISV programs in the New York Tri-State area where delegates may experience personal interaction with a diverse group of children and adults.
- To select and send members of the NY Chapter as delegates to Village, Mosaic, Youth Meeting, Step Up, Fortnight, Seminar Camp & other programs sanctioned by CISV to which the New York Chapter may be invited.
- To cooperate with other groups having similar purposes.
- To initiate local work efforts.
Our chapter hosted a Step Up in New York in 2015. Here’s a video recorded during the camp: