MISSION

The mission of IMTD is to promote a systems-based approach to peacebuilding and to facilitate the transformation of deep-rooted social conflict. The Institute is based in Arlington, VA, and has more than 1300 members in 31 countries. IMTD is supported by a wide range of key personnel, associates and interns. 265 interns from 56 countries have worked at the Institute.

Since IMTD first opened its doors, it has articulated and committed to a mission statement and a set of twelve principles for its work. These basic principles guide IMTD’s actions, shape its activities and projects, as well as provide standards by which the Institute holds itself accountable.

IMTD’S 12 PRINCIPLES:

Principle 1 – Relationship. Building strong interpersonal and intergroup relations throughout the fabric of society is essential for promoting a peacebuilding process, engaging people in promoting civil society and assuring the success of a wide range of projects.

Principle 2 – Long-Term Commitment. With any project undertaken, IMTD makes a long-term commitment to people and to processes that may take years to come to fruition. Dedication to any project builds stronger relationships between organizations and people, establishes partnership and networking, and empowers participants.

Principle 3 – Cultural Synergy. Appreciation and respect for cultural wisdom of all the parties and creative interaction upholds long-term relationships and partnerships and assures positive outcome of endeavors.

Principle 4 – Partnership. Establishing partnerships and modeling a collaborative process with local parties and with other institutions is the basis of IMTD operations.

Principle 5 – Multiple Technologies. IMTD is able to utilize a variety of appropriate technologies and methods, which meet the unique needs of each situation.

Principle 6 – Facilitation. IMTD serves as a facilitator, assisting parties in taking responsibility for their own dreams and destiny. Training and encouraging other parties to step forward in the project process guarantees continuity of the ideas and principles that the institute stands for.

Principle 7 – Empowerment. IMTD tries to empower people to become active agents of change and positive transformation within their respective societies.

Principle 8 – Action Research. Reflective practice, learning from experience, and action research underlie all of IMTD’s activities, promotes scholastic research, evaluation and assessment, and contributes to the learning process of all parties involved.

Principle 9 – Invitation. IMTD only ever becomes involved in projects upon invitation from the receiving country, organization or community. The willingness of the other party to engage in peacebuilding processes or conflict resolution training enhances the successful implementation of the projects, contributes to building partnership and friendly relationship between the organization and participants.

Principle 10 – Trust. Long term relationship and partnership is unlikely without mutual trust and caring within the system.

Principle 11 – Engagement. Long-term commitment and partnership acknowledges that once IMTD enters a system it becomes a unique part of it: an engaged, caring, and accountable partner.

Principle 12 – Transformation. Transformation and catalyzing changes at the deepest level of beliefs, assumptions, and values as well as behaviors and structures are the main aims of the Institute’s activities.