About CISV
Policy Statement on Behavior and Cultural Sensitivity in CISV
In order to realize the objects of CISV as outlined in the constitution, accomplish the educational goals of CISV's programs and to achieve the expectations of CISV's participants/volunteers, individual and group standards of behavior are required.
Respect for appropriate behavior is considered so universally important within CISV that the standards in this document must be observed and incorporated into CISV's programs, activities and administration at every level of the organization. CISV National and Promotional Associations may supplement these policy declarations but they may not contradict the working or effect of official International Board Policy.
For most people appropriate behavior is inherent within the concepts of "common sense", "good manners", or being a good host/guest/friend. Given the great cultural diversity within CISV, the Board finds it helpful to stress certain qualities in CISV participants' behaviorÑespecially in adults and juniors acting as "role models" for youth in an international educational program stressing peace and cross-cultural friendship. No guideline can anticipate every situation; there is no substitute for proper selection/training.
Behavior expected of all adults and youth in CISV Programs/administration fall within 3 categories: (1) non-negotiable rules; (2) standards appropriate in 90%+ of cases; and (3) preferred recommendations.
RULES relate to a class/type of REQUIRED behavior. Examples of FORBIDDEN behavior include:
- Illegal acts;
- Intimacy/sexual relations between children/youth and ANY adult or youth acting in a position of trust or as a role model within CISV (whether locally legal or not);
- Use of narcotic/hallucinogenic drugs or chemicals (whether locally legal or not);
- Discrimination
- Violation of CISV regulations
STANDARDS relate to a class/type of EXPECTED behavior. Examples of UNACCEPTABLE behavior include:
- Abuse of alcoholÑespecially in situations where youth are present in an educational context;
- Nudity within CISV programs or activities (games. swimming etc) or within CISV's community living arrangements (Villages, Camps or family stay) which violate concepts of privacy or modesty, whether defined by the cultural norms of the host or guest;
- Intolerance, lack of cultural flexibility/openness or xenophobic behavior contrary to the spirit and purposes of CISV (including insensitivity in observing "local" customs/courtesies);
- Physical/psychological abuse and corporal punishment.
RECOMMENDATIONS relate to a class/type of PREFERRED behavior. Examples of INAPPROPRIATE behavior include:
- Failure to use CISV methods in resolving personal/group conflict in intercultural living/activities;
- Failure to observe elemental rules of discussion and democratic decision making;
- Lack of respect for health/comfort rights of participants (eg non-smokers/those needing sleep);
- Lack of respect for differing standards of appropriate educational activities and/or sanctions.