Who we are?
InPlace is a non-profit based in Bellingham, WA, USA, that collaborates with communities to achieve their vision for a better future through study abroad, responsible travel and community-driven development. Building long-term relationships is the foundation of our approach. We believe in the power of community and see the shared benefits of learning together to create systems for more sustainable development, education and travel.
OUR MISSION
InPlace facilitates shared learning experiences rooted in social and environmental justice by amplifying community visions for an equitable, inclusive and sustainable future.
Our values
1. Long-term environmental sustainability and human rights are necessary conditions for human well-being
2. We cultivate empathy, trust and innovation by valuing everyone's unique strengths
3. Partnerships are based on mutual respect and reciprocity, with locals determining projects, visions, and priorities
4. Humility is central to our work and we aim to create a culture of learning in partnership with students and our global communities
Our history
Founded in 1999, under the name Institute for Village Studies, our goal was to connect students in the United States with village communities worldwide. We sought to provide students with an understanding of the deep value of indigenous knowledge and grounded our curriculum to connect with place, even in a globalizing world. As we were invited to participate in village life, we formed close relationships based on respect and reciprocity. Over time, people began to talk with us about their difficulties and their dreams, and we asked how we could be a resource in supporting their visions for a better future.
For twenty years, our mission grew organically to include more robust support for community-driven development while maintaining a core goal of fostering meaningful intercultural relationships. To be more effective, we officially became a registered 501(c)3 non-profit in 2013.
We have always approached this work with a huge dose of humility and let our community partners guide our involvement in the manner they believe will be most valuable. The place and the people have been the driving force of our work, and we are happy to enter a new era with a name that is true to our values and vision for the future - InPlace: Ecocultural Learning Institute.
Our plan for a better future:
1.
Build long-lasting intercultural relationships to support networks that amplify local solutions for systemic change
2.
Challenge conventional conceptions of sustainability and sustainable development to prioritize local knowledge and uphold values of social and environmental justice
3.
Support program participants as they engage in reflective and transformational learning experiences to become more informed, effective and conscientious global citizens
4.
Build culturally responsive curriculum and increase accessibility to our programs, while cultivating leadership that is representative of the diverse communities we work alongside
Meet our people
Faculty & Staff
IVS faculty and staff work together to provide unique study abroad and travel programs that support local community development efforts
Board of Directors
Our board advocates for a more sustainable, less traditional approach to community development and international education
LEAD Board
Our Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) Board is committed social & environmental justice in Bellingham and abroad
Experience our mission in action
