CISV - NY

  About CISV New York

CISV New York is the local chapter of CISV USA, part of CISV International, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring action for a more just and peaceful world. Through international camps, youth exchanges, family programs, and community initiatives, CISV empowers young people to become lifelong active global citizens committed to building peace through friendship, understanding, and respect.

The New York Chapter carries a proud legacy of leadership, having been co-founded by the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served as an early board member and lifelong supporter of CISV’s peace education mission.

CISV: A 75-Year Legacy of Peace Education

Founded in 1951 by child psychologist Dr. Doris Allen, CISV International was born from a simple but powerful belief that lasting peace begins with children.

Following the devastation of World War II, Dr. Allen envisioned bringing children from different countries together to discover both their shared humanity and their unique cultures.

As Dr. Allen famously said: "We must start with the children."

That vision became reality when delegates from eight countries gathered in Cincinnati for the first Children's International Summer Village in 1951. Today, CISV has grown into a global nonprofit operating in 69 countries and more than 200 cities, delivering approximately 180 international educational programs each year through the dedication of thousands of volunteers. In recognition of her pioneering work, Dr. Allen was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

For more information, visit newyork.cisvusa.org or follow @cisvnewyork on social media.