We are :
- International volunteerism association inspired by the Salesian education project
- NGO with consultative status with the United Nations
- NGO associated with the DPI (Department of Public Information) of the United Nations
*Statutes *Regulation *History
Origins of VIDES:
- Began its work in Europe in 1987
- Constituted in 1990
- On April 23, 1991, it became an “International Non-Profit Association ” (NGO) according to Belgian law (AISBL n° 16990/91)
Why:
- For the defense of human rights, particularly of children, women, and youth
- For the promotion of voluntary service at the local and international levels
- For the support at a distance of children and their families
- For the promotion of youth as active and responsible citizens
Who are members:
- Individuals (youth volunteers and collaborators of every age)
- Associations and groups that share the goals of the Statutes
VIDES is a member of:
- DPI (Department of Public Information Non-Governmental Organization)
- EAPN (European Anti Poverty Network)
- FAIB (Fédération des Associations Internationales de droit belge)
- Forum permanent de la Societé civile
- WIDE (Network Women In Development Europe)
- FMA(Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice)
How we are organized:
The structures of the association are:
- The Assembly of Members
- The Board of Directors
- The President's Council
- The Formation Commision
The Assembly of Members meets every year and convenes all the members (groups or national associaions) to study the annual regulations and approve the report and budget of the previous year. Every four years the Elective Assembly is held to elect or renew the Directive Council.
The Board of Directors (15 members) regulate the decisions made in the assembly and meets at least two times per year.
At its internal election the President’s Council members (President, General Director, Treasurer, Segretary, Advisor) meet with frequency to monitor the enforcement of the regulations. They act through the central operative office, located in Rome.
The groups and associations , effective members of VIDES, are organized at local levels to respond to the concrete demands of the territories on the educative level and to encourage voluntary service experiences from youth.
The Formation Commission is charged with the formation of the volunteers and meets to share the formative criteria.
