Overview of IDS

IDS works with individuals and organizations from different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. We effectively bring together these diverse elements by creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, consulting with each individual and group involved in a supportive environment.

Mission Statement

The Mission of IDS is to empower people in the US and other countries of the developed world with a deepened knowledge and understanding of sustainable development by promoting collaboration between individuals and international development projects. 

Our work is motivated by five core values: 

• Service is the Purpose 
• A commitment to the purpose of sustainable development 
• A belief in the process of consultation as the unifying means to problem solving 
• An appreciation for the limitless potentialities of the human being all over the planet 
• The realization of the oneness of humankind

We value the diversity of opinions that such a process necessarily generates, an recognizes that each project requires a unique, culturally sensitive approach.

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Organization

IDS is an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization . The organization is run by an executive director and a core group of advisors with extensive first-hand international experience in a wide variety of development projects. We coordinate with a network of international experts in basic health care, immunization, literacy, agriculture, micro enterprises, public health, medicine and many other projects.

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Philosophy

That human spirit is endowed with an infinite capacity for growth and development. IDS encourages this growth by giving individual participants the opportunity to gain first hand experience at the grassroots level in international development projects, thereby expanding their understanding of the world beyond their home country.

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History

IDS began in 2000 at the conclusion of the 2Oth Annual International Health Conference at UC Berkeley. The Organizations founding member recognized a great need to link people in this country with international development projects to gain first hand experience with work at the grassroots level. Despite the accelerating revolution in communication technologies, which now bring information and training within reach of vast numbers of people around the globe. True understanding of the possibilities and challenges facing international development projects remains elusive for those living in developed countries.