Three youth delegates, representing the Junior Branch of CISV Philadelphia, just returned from a productive national board meeting in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.  Aliza Glatter, CISV Philadelphia Junior Branch President;  Katie O'Mara, CISV Philadelphia Junior Branch President-elect; and Aaron Glatter, CISV Philadelphia Junior Branch Observer, took part in three days of meetings and break-out sessions to discuss issues particular to CISV as well as issues involving the four educational content areas of CISV:  sustainable development, conflict and resolution, diversity and human rights. 

Aliza, 17, and Katie, 15, both attend Upper Dublin High School, where Aliza is a senior and Katie is a junior.  Aaron, 13, is in the 8th grade at Sandy Run Middle School.

CISV, formerly known as Children's International Summer Villages, is a volunteer-based non-profit that celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.  CISV, an international youth peace organization, promotes peace and understanding through global friendships.

This was Aaron's first National Board Meeting (NBM).  "I feel like I know so much more about CISV and the behind-the-scenes workings, from an adult perspective," he said. 

Katie feels that, "Overall, I got so much out of this weekend.  NBM always reminds me of what CISV is all about, and this NBM especially really did give me a lot to think about." 

According to Aliza, "NBM was awesome.  I learned a lot and gained so much knowledge.  It also was the perfect combination of friends, training and fun."  She added, "I learned so much that I can't wait to take back to better my Junior Branch." 

Three adult volunteers from the CISV Philadelphia chapter attended the adult National Board Meeting in Cincinnati, which took place at the same time as the National Junior Board Meeting:  Caryn Helhowski, Huntingdon Valley, CISV Philadelphia president and CISV USA secretary; Sharon Jessar, Dresher, CISV Philadelphia trustee and Planner for the international Village for 11 year olds from around the world that CISV Philadelphia will be hosting in 2013; and Bruce Perlman, CISV USA National Village Chair and a member of the International Village Committee.  Additionally, Tali Segal, Fort Washington, accompanied the Junior Branch delegates to the national Junior Branch meeting as their chaperone.   

CISV hosts international camps and other programs, mostly in the summer months, but at other times of the year as well.  Children from around the globe come together to learn about one another in camp settings or in interchange programs, living with families. CISV also hosts local programs during the school year.

Cincinnati is the site of the annual board meetings, adult and junior, as it is where CISV International began;  Cincinnati was the location of the first CISV international village for 11 year olds, which took place more than 61 years ago.  CISV Philadelphia is one of more than 200 chapters around the world, located in more than 60 countries.

CISV Philadelphia, along with the other 20 chapters in the USA, learned this weekend to which programs it will be sending delegates in 2013.  CISV Philadelphia will be announcing these exciting programs at the October meeting, which takes place this Thursday, October 18, at 7:00 PM at the Christ Lutheran Church in Oreland.  A meeting of the Junior Branch will take place at the same time as the meeting of the adults.  This meeting is open to all interested in CISV.

For additional information, please visit www.philly.cisvusa.org or contact Caryn Helhowski, chapter president, at caryn.cisv@gmail.com or 215-947-3808.