2023-12-06 10:12:04
Zhenishbek Edigeev et Hervé Pichelin
We had the chance to meet Hervé Pichelin, director of the International House of Associations.
The International House of Associations: A place of collaboration and resources for the common good
Working together to promote common causes is a fundamental principle, imbued with a democratic essence. This concept flourishes in an “active and dynamic civil society”, ready to confront social, environmental, economic, cultural and artistic challenges. In Geneva, the Maison Internationale des Associations offers associations a dedicated space, not only to meet and work, but also to access crucial information resources. Featuring meeting rooms and offices, this venue aspires to be more than just a physical space. It positions itself as a real toolbox, providing local, national and international associations with the means to develop and operate optimally.
It is the people who are part of society and on the ground who can solve the problems. This is why we encourage associations, explains Hervé Pichelin.
A little history
At the end of the 20th centuryth century, several organizations, local or international, in the field of international solidarity and sustainable development, had created “the alternative village” at the Book Fair where they met every year. The goal was to expose their actions together to the public.
From there, the idea was born of having a place where associations might gather all year round. At the same time, the newspaper which occupied the building where the International House of Associations is currently located went bankrupt. The associations then asked the City and Canton of Geneva to buy this building and make it available to them for 50 years. It is the Foundation for Associative Expression which manages this house and in exchange, the International House of Associations must renovate the building and charge the lowest possible prices.
It is therefore a place accessible to all associations, whether they have 20 to 30 employees or only volunteers. This allows them to exchange ideas, have a meeting place and promote their work.
Financial and political independence
The International House of Associations is completely independent of the Canton and the City of Geneva. It is financed through the rental of rooms and offices.
It goes even further by collaborating and assisting associations. This is why “financial and political independence is an important asset. »
Indeed, the International House of Associations encourages the financial independence of associations. However, this is more or less difficult depending on the sector. Indeed, certain associations are subsidized by the Canton, the City of Geneva and by the Confederation. Hervé Pichelin explains that they can also try to find private financiers, but also to create activities that allow them to earn money to finance themselves and no longer depend on political power.
A set of values to defend
The foundation that manages the International House of Associations has highlighted a certain number of values that it intends to defend. It is the question of peace, that of equality between women and men, and those of the environment, diversity, etc.
We are a private law foundation, which means that the foundation board can do absolutely what it wants. This therefore allows us to have consistency around our values.
However, the content offered by the International House of Associations varies depending on the events organized by the associations, whether for the environment, for women’s rights, etc. Our role is to help them express this content and distribute it.
The International House of Associations in Geneva presents itself as a dynamic center of collaboration and resources, embodying commitment to the common good. Its origin, born from the aspirations of local associations, underlines its essential role in facilitating exchanges, meetings and in promoting associative work. With financial and political independence, it encourages the autonomy of associations, promoting innovative models and defending fundamental values such as peace, equality, and the environment. In summary, the International House of Associations offers a concrete example of social innovation and citizen participation, favoring the strengthening of local initiatives and the promotion of societal and environmental values.
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72% of the Earth is made up of water, yet humans are increasingly thirsty
Photo credit: Zhenishbek Edigeev
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