From personal
change to global change
The IofC approach recognizes that solving the world’s problems requires more than human reason and ability. We’ll use inner wisdom to solve global problems by transforming ourselves, having honest conversations, and taking focused action.
Our Story
Initiatives of Change grew out of the work of Frank Buchman (1878-1961), an American Christian minister of the Lutheran denomination. Buchman believed there is a divine purpose for the world and everyone in it, and sought to demonstrate the connection between faith and change in society. In the period between the two World Wars, as European nations began to re-arm for war, Buchman called for ‘moral and spiritual rearmament’ as the way to build ’a hate-free, fear-free, greed-free world.’ Following World War II, Moral Re-Armament (MRA), as it became known, promoted trust building and reconciliation among former enemies, based on changes in individual motivation and character.
Australians were exposed to the ideas of MRA during the 1930s. Dialogues and public events, including live theatre performances, stimulated a vibrant fellowship across several cities, all the way to Parliament House in Canberra.
In the post-war years, many Australians dedicated their lives to the ideals of the movement and were active internationally, MRA sponsored a delegation of Members of Parliament and ex-servicemen to Japan, meeting the Prime Minister to seek reconciliation. The visit paved the way for further parliamentary visits, and was credited with smoothing the path to establishing Japan’s 1957 post-war trade treaty with Australia.
Culture and Diversity
Explore multi-faith and multicultural diversity at Initiatives of Change Australia. We celebrate the richness of our different religious and cultural backgrounds through interfaith dialogues, peacebuilding events, and workshops in ethical leadership. In all our activities, we work towards building trust across the world’s divides.
Our Core Values
Honesty
Honesty: a commitment to seek and speak the truth – and to not deceive others, or ourselves; turning the torchlight of truth within.
Purity of Intent
Purity of heart and motive; freedom from being controlled or contaminated by our desires, addictions, fears and insecurities.
Unselfishness
A commitment to fairness, justice and generosity; a willingness to share.
Love
A heart quality of ongoing transformational relating which calls on us to transcend our fears, shame, pain, hatred and jealousy.
Governance and Finance
Initiatives of Change Australia is a not-for-profit organisation registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ABN 22 004 350 789). Our Board oversees financial and legal matters, presenting audited accounts and activity reports to all members at Annual General Meetings. Audited financial reports are available on the ACNC website.
Volunteers are an integral part of our organisation, with our dedicated staff and our community. We actively seek new financing sources and welcome contributions and network support for our trustbuilding and peacebuilding work.
To contribute or explore partnerships, contact Initiatives of Change Australia at 226 Kooyong Rd, Toorak, Victoria 3142, call 03 9822 1218, or email info.au@iofc.org. Join us in shaping a future of positive change and peace.
Meet the team
Thanks to them, things happen
OUR FACILITIES — ARMAGH
Armagh, a 100-year-old house in the Melbourne suburb of Toorak, is the home of the Australia-Pacific Centre for Initiatives of Change. It serves as a residence, office premises for Melbourne-based staff, and a platform for community-based programs, initiatives and events. Armagh has a special link with Indigenous Australia and stands on the land of the Wurundjeri nation. Over the years, Armagh has been the place where many community gatherings have taken place.
In 1956, Melbourne industrialist Cecil McKay donated his family home to MRA which became a not-for-profit company. The house, named ‘Armagh’, is now the Australia-Pacific Centre for Initiatives of Change and hosts visitors from the IofC community. The center offers residential training courses and ‘Life Matters’ workshops for personal development. You can join these activities as a local or international participant.