Holding together a global network

By Dharmalingam Vinasithamby

ICA International is the hub of a wheel of organisations spanning all continents of the globe.  Its aim is to help its members support participatory and sustainable global human development. Members, national bodies that evolved from what was once a single entity called the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA), aim to provide methods and values for the authentic and sustainable transformation of individuals, communities and organizations.

Although these ICAs are autonomous units, they use a common brand of methods, logos and language. Each unit is a registered organisation run by a board comprised of a majority of people who do not gain financially from the ICA. To qualify to be part of the ICAI, each ICA must be actively involved in projects and services that meet national needs and provide support for the international work of the ICA.

Current members are Bospo Bosnia, ICA Australia, ICA Bangladesh, ICA Belgium, ICA Canada, ICA Chile, ICA Guatemala, ICA India, ICA Japan, ICA Kenya, ICA Nepal, ICA Peru, ICA Taiwan, ICA Uganda, ICA USA, ICA Zimbabwe, ICA Cote d'lvoire, ICA MENA (Egypt), ICA Nigeria (NIRADO), ICA South Africa, ICA Tajikistan, ICA Tanzania and OPAD Zambia.

Besides these statutory members, ICAI has associate, non-voting member organisations as well. They are ICA: UK, ICA Associates Canada, Leadership Inc. China, Lens International Malaysia, and ICA Ukraine.

ICAs support each other using a decentralised “peer to peer” approach, helping each other with program support, training and even funding. This allows the ICAI to be a fairly slim and trim body without the need for a big budget. Among its tasks is help to expand the reach of ICA publications like Global Buzz and Winds & Waves; and maintain links with UN agencies such as  UNICEF and ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) , and other international groups such as CIVICUS.

ICAI is currently led by President Martin Gilbraith (UK/Belgium). He is assisted by a secretary, Staci Kentish (Canada); and a treasurer, Shankar Jadhav (India). There are four vice-presidents, Isabel De La Maza (Chile) for the Americas; Gerald Gomani (Zimbabwe) for Africa, MENA & Europe; Krishna Shrestha (Australia) for Asia & Pacific; and Seva Gandhi (USA) for communications.