OFFICIAL NAME IN THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGE
International Young Catholic Students (IYCS)
CURRENT NAME
International Young Catholic Students (IYCS)
YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT
1946
HISTORY
The International Young Catholic Students (IYCS), also known as the Young Christian Students (YCS), has its roots in the development of several YCS National Movements in the late 1920’s, which grew in the spirit of the Specialized Catholic Action Movements that were inspired by Joseph Cardjin (the founder of the Young Christian Workers). The International Coordination of the YCS Movement was established in 1946 in the wake of the Second World War to engage students to build peace based on justice and freedom. Since its inception in 1946 IYCS has evolved and grown to meet the challenges of the world and the local context in which it has been active.
Recognized by the Holy See as an International Catholic Organization, the IYCS was confirmed by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, on 25th March 2009, as an international association of the faithful. As an NGO, it has consultative status with Ecosoc and UNESCO.
IDENTITY
IYCS is a global movement of young Catholic students committed to building a peaceful, just and sustainable world. The mission of IYCS is to evangelize and transform the student milieu (both at secondary and tertiary levels), through forming and encouraging them to look at the world from the perspective of the poor, with a commitment to global solidarity, freedom, justice and peace.
Purposes and aims of the movement include: to bring together students seeking community, formation and action, in the framework of the Catholic Church, at the local, national, continental and global levels; to give students resources and methodologies to help them integrate their Christian faith in their lives at all levels and in their efforts to build a more just society; and to be a voice for its student members by representing them in regional and international forums.
ORGANIZATION
The World Council is the supreme decision-making body of the International Young Catholic Students. It meets in an ordinary session every four (4) years at a date and venue to be determined by the International Team. The World Council is composed of Student Representatives from National Movements, all members of the International Team, collaborator and contact movements, chaplains, adult animators/assistants and invited guests as observers.
The World Council is Chaired by a Presidium composed of the Secretary General and two delegates from the National Movements (Member or Collaborator Movements) who are chosen at the start of the World Council Sessions in order to ensure the practical organization of all the meetings.
WORKS
The International Young Catholic Students achieves its purposes, aims and objectives through education and formation in leadership, integrating faith and life and preparing students to be agents of change in the world. The movement helps members to study the problems arising from global issues, to reflect on their causes from the perspective of the poor and marginalized, to propose solutions in accordance with justice and the dignity of the human person, organizing and participating in forums, including the United Nations, UNESCO and UNFCCC, and other global events such as the World Social Forum and World Youth Day.
It promotes the active participation of students in the life and activities of the Catholic Church at the local, national, regional and international levels, and fosters ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue among students and student groups.
PUBLICATIONS
Connexions, annual magazine.
WEBSITE
HEADQUARTERS
IYCS International Secretariat
7, Impasse Reille – 75014 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 45 48 14 72
Email: mail@iycs-jeci.org
