The Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC) brings nearly 30 years of experience to our mission: to build collaborative capacity in individuals, organizations, and networks working for social justice and racial equity.
When IISC started in 1993, we brought the power of collaboration to the social sector through our work with thousands of individuals, organizations, and networks working to advance social justice. Over time, we focused explicitly on the profound and persistent racial inequities that destroy people, communities and the planet and that account for many of the challenges our clients face. Our approach supports individuals, organizations, and networks in shifting systems so that historically marginalized and oppressed groups gain an equitable share of power and resources, enabling them to thrive and contribute to their communities and organizations
Interested in working with us? Please learn more about our work on the Work with IISC page.
You can also see 25 years of IISC history and watch us dream about the next 25!
Vision
We envision a healthy planet where people are thriving, valuing their differences, and working together for peace and justice.
Mission
IISC builds collaborative capacity in individuals, organizations, and networks working for social justice and racial equity.
Values
These values guide IISC in our work internally and externally:
- Collaborative Change. We believe that social change is possible when three key elements are attended to: shared power and equity, network building, and love as a force for social change
- Transformative Leadership. We believe that transformative leadership is the kind of leadership we need in the 21st century
- Shared Decision Making. We believe in people’s right to be involved in the decisions that affect them so that they have influence over the quality of their lives
- Dignity & Care. We believe in the dignity of all human beings and in taking care of our planet so that we can all live healthy lives and our communities and our planet can thrive
Our Collaborative Change Lens
IISC facilitates social change and racial equity using our Collaborative Change Lens to shift power dynamics, focus on building networks, and amplify love as a force for social change. We believe that collaborative transformation comes from shifting and building power in ways that challenge the underlying drivers of inequity. Using this lens, leaders can overcome challenges and fundamentally change unjust situations.
History
IISC was founded in 1993 by Interaction Associates as an expression of its commitment to social transformation and as a way of bringing its collaborative methodologies into the social sector. Since then, IISC has grown from a staff of two to an organization with a much larger team of full-time and part-time staff members from around the country who have worked with thousands of individuals, organizations, coalitions, and networks to boost and amplify their impact.
People
Read about the amazing individuals who make up the IISC team!