iACT

iACT stands out as a nonprofit that empowers refugee communities and displaced people through education, sports, and leadership programs providing training for long-term community involvement. As donors we are regularly updated on the progress and the positive impact they have. It’s especially moving to hear directly from the community leaders and refugees who express gratitude for iACT’s ongoing support and request for iACT’s continued presence and commitment to support and expand their programs. Focusing also on raising awareness of the needs of displaced communities.

I interned with iACT last year for 6 months, my time with them in the South Bay was nothing but positive! I loved working with the US staff and the volunteers alike. They welcomed me with open arms and I truly felt everyone from the ED to the volunteers embody iACT values. I learnt so much during my time with them working on a huge range of different projects. It grew my desire to work in the aid sector once I graduate college and pursue a career in international development, focusing on a new aid system that centres refugee voices and expertise, which i learnt the importance of from working at iACT. I truly believe their vision for a new humanitarian system is the future of aid.

I worked in Africa on the frontlines of the refugee crisis in the 2010s, and I chose to connect with iACT after my return stateside because of their refugees-first values. That means no overpriced expatriate salaries inflating non-profit admin costs; it means trusting the healers and caregivers in the community as service providers; it means training and commitment to their refugee staff, who now number over 200; it means fighting for early childhood education as a core responsibility of the international community. In my decade-plus working on international policy, I have yet to find a non-profit that affects so much change on an intimate level.

I have been a supporter of iACT for several years. To me, iACT represents : Empathy, Leadership, Kindness, Compassion, Empowerment, and Community, to name a few. From the leadership to the staff and volunteers, the team at iACT show up in some of the most challenging environments of the world, and make the people there seen and cared for. I am proud to be a donor and supporter of iACT

In the past several years I have slowly become more involved with iACT and call into some of their meetings on Zoom. From what I have seen, iACT is managed by an amazing team of incredibly compassionate people. I’m so impressed by the energy of the teachers and coaches around the world that work hard to develop thriving communities filled with respect and joy.

iACT is one of the most powerful organizations in that they are on the ground taking action instead of just talking the talk. The focus on early childhood education as well as participatory sports provides concrete action to the needs of the displaced communities themselves, particularly in Africa but also in newly added locations. The training of local teams to engage in the work means that there is more self-reliance as well as continuing support all along the way. As someone whose ancestors were victims of genocidal acts, it is crucial that this work continue and I am proud to be affiliated with an organization that has not only shown an ability to keep enough funding to maintain its important functions but also has hired staff with extraordinary skills and extraordinary compassion for all.

iACT is an extraordinary organization with tremendous heart and the most amazing team of dedicated volunteers. I got involved after receiving a personalized note after making a small donation, and the iACT team has been so kind in making me feel included, no matter how small or sporadic my contributions to their efforts. Amidst the largest refugee crisis since WWII, they are making a real difference and reminding the world that refugees have inherent dignity and deserve everything so many of us take for granted: food, education, mental health services, and play!

I've been involved with iACT for almost three years and I could not be more committed and identified with this organization. My journey with iACT has been like a roller-coaster, with very specific hard times. However, iACT is much more than an organization for me, iACT is family and love. The amazing and incredible people that make up the iACT family drew me back into this world, and I'm extremely grateful for their help and support. Their refugee-led programs are simply astonishing, and I felt very touched when they opened the first football academy in Mexico. iACT's model works as it focuses on the people themselves, prioritizing a proper listening exercise and letting them be the engine and soul of the programs. iACT means so much to me in a personal matter and this organization provides light and brightness in the darkest of places.

I work as a volunteer with several outstanding non-profits who touch the lives of immigrants and refugees, both here in America and in camps in far away places. My involvement with iACT now goes back almost four years, and I can honestly say what this organization manages to accomplish is nothing short of remarkable.
The leadership continues and guidance continues to be focused, inclusive and need and results driven. I was fortunate this spring to be part of a first-ever North American program responding to a critical situation on the US-Mexican border. iACT's much acclaimed Refugees United Soccer Academy program was implemented at the large family shelter in Reynosa, Mexico. The mothers, fathers and children "lucky" enough to live "Inside" the shelter have survived violence in their homelands and violence on their long trek to get to the border. Many of of the children have been terribly impacted by the trauma they've encountered and life, even in the shelter waiting for resettlement is difficult. iACT understands that children do best when they can be at play, socialize and learn. The RUSA format iACT designed and uses in other migrant camps was adjusted to deal with "migrants on the move" and help children in Reynosa get relief through playing soccer, learning new skills and hopefully help them begin to heal emotionally. Four Reynosa-based coaches were vetted, trained and hired to work with the children. Somedays as many as 60 kids, aged 6-13, show up to play and learn. During our training program, mothers and fathers told us they couldn't believe a program like this would ever be available to help their children. Doing good and doinjg it well matters. That's iACT.

iACT is truly remarkable in its commitment to bringing about positive change. Their unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes and heartfelt solutions is profoundly inspiring.

The iACT family radiates a sense of unwavering kindness and dedication that's truly heartwarming. iACT stands as a shining testament to what can be achieved when genuine compassion and decisive action join hands. Their impact reaches far beyond the immediate, creating ripples of hope and positive change that touch countless lives.

When you become a part of the iACT team, you become part of a close-knit family. We harness the bonds of love and shared values to infuse every aspect of our work. The programs are designed with a level of care and consideration that I would personally want for my children, ensuring they are both impactful and nurturing.

When I make a donation, I am confident that it has a genuine impact and creates a meaningful difference.

I have been involved with iACT for a number of years now, and they are one of the most dedicated, community centered, and hard working non-profits that I've known. They are an efficient team working to help change the lives of thousands of refugees throughout the world. Anyone who gives their time, money, or energy to iACT will not be dissappointed.

iACT has thoughtful, experienced leadership and staff. I became involved after meeting a board member who made a deep impression on me. iACT has positive impact on the communities they support. They work alongside the people they support and lead with them. iACT walks the walk.

I got involved with iACT in 2015 as a volunteer and have contributed with various acitivites remotely in the following years. In addition to the amazing work they do and the way they establish close bonds and friendships with the adults and children their programs benefit, iACT has established a work culture that fosters empathy and respect as well as openness and critical feedback, treating everyone equally from full-time staff all the way to the interns. The founders had a unique gift for selecting passionate and hard-working staff. Unlike other NGOs I've worked with, the people at iACT actually live what they "preach".

There is something truly special about this organization! As a volunteer for the past couple of years, I've had the privilege of learning from iACT and their experts. They set the bar high and deliver their programming with integrity and with heart. The results are transformative for all stakeholders at iACT and thus creates a worldwide network focused on collectively improving the lives of refugees. Couldn't be more impressed!

I admire the fact that this organization listens to the refugees they serve to hear what their needs are and develops programs with them to meet those needs.

IACT has proved to be one of the most effective nfps in improving the lives of people on the ground in Sudan and Chad. By providing funding and education they have created schools and soccer teams where none existed. It gives those of us overseas a way to take specific concrete actions to change lives for the better...they have the best combination required... compassion and wisdom and the ability to fundraise to make good changes in the world.

I've been grateful to be a volunteer for iACT for a few years now. This organization stands far and above what others are doing in the field right now. They live and work by their values and truly put the needs and voices of the people they serve first and foremost.

It's an honor and a privilege to be engaged with such an incredible group of people, and to witness the extraordinary work they do.

I have been involved with and supported iACT since its beginning.

They have continued to put refugees front and center working with them as equals, listening to them, honoring them and working hard to ensure their programs are refugee led. Even through Covid iACT's refugee staff in Greece, Chad, Tanzania and Cameroon stepped up and went door to door with Covid information (that was translated in over 12 languages with the help of iACT's strong volunteer CORE team). Just one example of how their work impacts refugees.

The Refugee United Soccer Academies Little Ripples (the early childhood program) program continues to thrive. I know that the majority of my monthly donation goes directly to the programs and the remainder goes to the amazing staff (4 total) in the US who accomplish so much.

The last year has really highlighted the strength and resilience of the organization. Its foundation is strong and I continue to be in awe of the work they do in the Camps, their work as thought leaders, and innovators.

I first became aware of iACT 3 years ago after a friend told me about some amazing work this organization was doing with refugees, many trapped for indeterminate years in "displaced persons" camps, often in far-off outposts. What interested me and excites me still is the way that iACT conducts itself. Rather than coming in and running set programs with their own staff, iACT brings to distinct concepts for the refugees to decide if and how they might want to enact them. And it is absolutely the refugees who, after on-the ground training with iACT, take control of and responsibility for maintaining and growing early childhood education and soccer academies. The results for these two critical focus areas have been amazing, both for the trained teachers and coaches as well as the young students and children who choose to play and learn soccer skills. Another reason I am a proud iACT advocate is the careful, caring on-going support and accountability practices this organization has in place to foster strong communication with refugee teachers and coaches and "ASK" how it can be of assistance to meet the refugee needs. It's an approach that is refugee led getting great results.

As a volunteer, my experience has exceeded all expectations. iACT offers a collaborative and caring approach to their service delivery, both within the community and behind the scenes. This organization is guided by a team of dedicated, rights based activist who have a passion for societal well-being and resiliency. It's not just about survival, it's about supporting others to thrive and strengthening the fabrics of community collaboration, equity, and inclusion. iACT's engagement is authentic and grounded in strength based practices.

iACT is an incredible organization that is inclusive, leads with empathy and understanding in all their work, and has a great mission. This can be shown in how they lead their programs, of incorporating refugees and listening to the wants and needs of who they are impacting.

Getting to know how iACT´s work has been a wonderful experience! The principle of always listening to others and asking what is that they need, to then co-create projects for those needs along side the refugee community is something that has a long lasting impact. Also having a mindfulness approach is teaching all of us of the importance of reflecting and living in the present to make the most of it. I'm really proud to be a part of!

I have volunteered with iACT for more than one year. In my experience, this organization is exceptional. They not only meet but surpass their commitments to assist vulnerable populations displaced by war, poverty, and disease. For many months I have learned about their football and leadership academies, as well as refugee-led early education and child development programs. These efforts span countries in Africa and the Mediterranean, and connect entire communities in under-resourced settings to services and facilities. iACT creates opportunities for people experiencing hardship and trauma to improve their quality of life, and inspires younger generations to actualize their skills and talents. The magnitude of this work and its ripple effects cannot be over-estimated.

I began working for iACT 2 years ago. Working on their website, I am constantly blown-away by the content I am posting/building new pages around. The work they do with and for refugees makes such a positive change in their lives. It reminds me that we can choose how we spend our energy in life — iACT encourages me to stay mindful.

iAct is an incredible organization that leads with heart. I have been volunteering for the organization for a few years, first as a translator and now as a Board Member. The iAct family all over the world is connected and mindful in its pursuit of lasting solutions to problems that affect refugees. I am proud to be a part of such a thoughtful and caring organization.

I work with this team and they are the most efficient and effective non-profit I have expereinced. All positive, inclusive and forward thinking. They make impact....not just talk about it....they DO it!!! So proud to be associated with this group!

The humility and selflessness of all involved in iACT is only matched by the impact created for the people it serves. Working alongside refugees and displaced people, iACT sees that co-creation is the best and most sustainable way to help solve to the crises these people face almost daily. Through its initiatives and values, iACT recognizes the humanity, power and dignity of all people, and goes deep into the communities to build bonds and friendships across continents. It’s a joy to be a part of

iACT is the most sincere and effective nonprofit I have worked with. Their refugee led model is the future! It will inspire a more mindful humanitarian system.

I have been volunteering with iACT for the past 4-5 months on their Little Ripples ECD program for refugees. I am so impressed with the fact that EVERY decision the iACT US-based team makes revolves around the question of what would be best/ most empowering for the refugee communities they serve. There are numerous ways, both big (a trip to a refugee camp) and small (helping to edit a blog), that volunteers can engage with their work. I highly recommend iACT as a great organization for people who would like to get involved in supporting refugees worldwide.

My husband and I are proud supporters of this organization because of their strong commitment to not only provide aid to those who have been victims of mass atrocities, but also to empower them! So excited to watch them grow and continue to do amazing work.

iACT's mission and work with those affected by mass atrocities throughout the world is more important today than ever before. Providing opportunities for education, human rights training, and sport through refugee-led programs inspires hope in these communities and reminds them they are not forgotten. I have been a proud supporter of iACT for five year and continue to be amazed by the incredible work being done by the amazingly humble staff and volunteers.

Wonderful organization working with some of the most marginalized populations in the world. They are changing the way nonprofits look at effectiveness and change. The bottom up solution, driven by the beneficiaries themselves offers much more sustainability. VISIONARY!

Wonderful organization with incredibly passionate staff and leadership!

I have been a volunteer with iACT since 2006, am a current board member and advisor and have travelled to the camps as a team member. This organization is, hands down, the most trauma informed and relationship based model I have ever had the honor in which to participate. The work grew out of deep listening and a sense of trust in the communities impacted. iAct embodies a commitment to restorative practices, mutuality and communities of care in all of its refugee led programming whether in sports, education, mindfulness or leadership.

I went to a screening of the Darfur United documentary, which details the excellent work iACT is doing, in Hermosa Beach. I was floored by the grassroots-minded, self-sufficiency promoting work of this organization. They are entirely focused on their work, and show an obvious investment in building relationships in the Los Angeles community.

Iact's story begins with experienced international aid workers asking a remote and isolated refugee community, "What do you need?" The answer to this question, programs for the children, especially early childhood programs, informs everything the organization does and and HOW t does what it does. iact is impressive in its mission and methods of working closely with affected communities as its builds its programs. This, coupled with flexibility and a commitment to excellence at every level, characterizes the organization. As an early childhood educator, I have been impressed with the high level of attention to child-centered, developmentally appropriate programming, ever responsive to the ways to make it culturally relevant to the communities it serves. As a volunteer and mindfulness consultant, I feel incredibly privileged to work with iact in the service of their mission.

One of the things in my life I am most proud of is my role as a donor and volunteer Mindfulness expert at iACT. iACT is a wonderful organization for many reasons, foremost because their work at it's core is based in community and empowerment: their programs are co-created and refugee-led. It is an honor and privilege to be associated with their work.

iACT provides essential support, education, and leadership training to refugees with so much respect and tons of heart. The team is amazing and so dedicated. I'm honored to be a small part of the team through local volunteering.

Love this organization and everything they stand for!!

The work that iACT does to help refugees touches my heart. As an early childhood educator, I know that the education of preschool age students is vital. This is such a critical, formative time in a child's life. iACT's Little Ripples early childhood education programs are filling a need in refugee camps in Chad and other countries, where such services have been non-existent. Children not only learn academics in a play-based, developmentally appropriate environment, but they also participate in mindfulness exercises, which can help them cope with their often challenging circumstances. Right now, iACT is working to fill a need left by food gaps. Refugee families have a very small ration on which to get their food each month. iACT is conducting a campaign now , #iACT4Meals, which aims to raise funds to fill the dangerous gap in food supplies for refugees.
iACT's programs also have at their core, the mission for their programs to be refugee-led. This may be where they differ from other programs, and why they are so successful. Refugee women become teachers and help prepare the food in the Little Ripples Ponds, and receive a salary for this.
In addition to working with very young children, iACT also runs sports programs, where refugee men, women, boys and girls all can learn about team work and leadership through playing soccer. Refugees United is an amazing team of athletes, and iACT is now ramping up programs to include even more women and girls in the programs. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that I know how dedicated and hard the small staff of iACT works, and their work is making a positive difference in the lives of so many refugees. That is why I act, and volunteer with iACT!

For over three years, I have proudly donated to iACT to support their mission of empowering and extending hope to individuals who have been affected by mass atrocities. Their innovative and compassionate approach to humanitarian action continually proves to be extremely effective because they listen to the needs and wants of the individuals in the camps. iACT works tirelessly and selflessly alongside refugees to meet both immediate long-term term needs.

This is an amazing organization! iACT's work in partnership with refugees not only empowers communities, but it fosters hope and inspiration for those affected by mass-atrocities. As a volunteer, I have been able to see the dedication and heart of the organization from all those who are involved in iACT's work.

Throughout the years i-ACT has inspired me to become aware and educated about the plight of Refugees in Africa, specifically in the area of Sudan/Darfur where i-ACT has various programs in place to support, educate, inspire, uplift refugees living in the camps. They bring back their stories to help educate students and adults alike to continue their important missions. I recommend their non profit for volunteering, teaching students on the subject of genocide awareness, IDPs, what it means to be a Refugee and ways to get involved to make a difference directly.

I feel great about supporting iACT! Because of iACT, young children in refugee camps in central Africa have a wonderful preschool experience, through the Little Ripples program. The play-based curriculum provides a way for children to learn about peace-making and mindfulness. Because of iACT, refugee woman become trained as teachers, and can provide culturally appropriate curriculum. Besides Little Ripples, iACT facilitates many soccer academies in refugee camps, through the Refugees United program. This program helps refugees learn athletic skills and helps develop leadership skills. These two programs truly make a difference in the lives of so many refugees. I've met many of the iACT staff, and they are selfless, outstanding individuals who are the "real deal."