I am Caritas - Our Mission Statement (Caritas Switzerland)

I am Caritas Our Mission Statement

Our principles An organisation like Caritas needs vision, values and principles that guide its actions.

They are summarised in this mission statement.

Preventing, combating and relieving poverty is Caritas’ basic mission, to which it has been dedicated since its foundation in 1901.

In other words: The point of reference for its action is people in need – irrespective of their religious or political persuasion or their ethnicity.

Caritas is committed to supporting people in need at two levels. It provides concrete and practical help. And it engages in political lobbying on behalf of disadvantaged members of the community.

Cooperative and autonomous Caritas actively pursues strong partnerships in the fight against poverty. This means that Caritas does not work in isolation, but seeks to cooperate with all organisations and institutions that work towards the same or similar social objectives.

As an aid agency, Caritas Switzerland is an association pursuant to the Swiss Civil Code, art. 60ff. The Assembly of Delegates, Association’s Steering Committee, Steering Board and Executive Board take their decisions responsibly and independently within the framework of the Swiss Law on Associations.

Veronica Idong and her daughter Monica can hardly contain their joy about the new rainwater harvesting system built by Caritas in Mohina/South Sudan.

Our vision We work for a world • that is guided by solidarity, justice and peace; • that respects the inalienable dignity and rights of every individual; • whose strength is measured by the well-being of the weak; • that recognises that the richness and abundance of Creation are the common property of all human beings; • in which every individual has access to food, water, health, education and work.

Shiekh Alam (60) successfully progressed from waste picker to recycling entrepreneur in Delhi – thanks to Caritas.

Our mission • We are guided by the gospel, the living tradition of ecclesiastical preaching and the experiences of poor and socially disadvantaged people.

• We encourage the social and socio-­political commitment of the Church.

• We come to the aid of people in need, irrespective of their religious or political persuasion or their ethnicity.

• We engage in political lobbying on behalf of disadvantaged members of the community.

• We advocate equality between the sexes.

• We perform our mission professionally, effectively and cost-efficiently.

Caritas provided the young Syrian refugee Suheil Semdan (6) and his family with the basic essentials needed for their survival: Food items, blankets, heating, rent subsidies.

Our mission

We provide rapid and effective disaster relief We provide emergency relief and sustainable reconstruction aid in Switzerland and abroad.

The aim of our relief operations is to avoid future disasters. We do this by • working with local partners to develop and implement short-, medium- and long-term aid strategies; • cooperating with the international Caritas network as well as other private and public-sector organisations.

The women’s groups of Singagudem finally get a hearing for their concerns, thanks to Caritas. This strengthens equal rights and democratic development.

Our mission

We advocate self-determined development We encourage people to take charge of their own fate. We do this by • promoting local initiatives that sustainably improve the living conditions of the socially disadvantaged; • advocating the conservation of natural resources; • supporting civil conflict resolution and peace building; • cooperating with local partners and strengthening their own commitments.

Single parents like Patrizia Monier (33) are increasingly at risk of poverty in Switzerland. That’s why Caritas provides welcome respite services for people like her.

Our mission

We are committed to social security in Switzerland We act in conjunction with regional Caritas offices to promote the integration of weaker social groups in the community.

We do this by • monitoring social trends in Switzerland, identifying problems in the community and proposing solutions; • combating poverty and social marginalisation; • supporting those in need; • implementing forward-looking projects that help to resolve social problems; • supporting the involvement of volunteers.

Caritas looks after asylum seekers, temporarily admitted persons and recognised refugees. It provides accommodation and offers courses, advice and help with repatriation.

Our mission

We support a cosmopolitan and tolerant society We advocate the rights of immigrants.

We do this by • promoting understanding between the local population and immigrants; • supporting the integration of immigrants and their participation in community life; • advocating fair, humanitarian laws on asylum and foreigners; • seeing to the welfare of asylum-seekers and refugees on behalf of public authorities; • helping repatriated persons to re-integrate in their countries of origin.

Children like Urji Aliyi (5, front right) from Fugnagdimo/ Ethiopia learn at school, thanks to the Caritas hygiene programme, how to protect themselves against diseases.

How we see ourselves We are part of the international Caritas movement • We are an independent Catholic aid agency.

• We perform our work in an open, ecumenical spirit.

• We are active on behalf of the Swiss Conference of Bishops • We are an association that comprises the network of regional Caritas offices, Swiss dioceses, the majority of Catholic associations as well as independent social organisations.

• We are a member of Caritas Internationalis, a network comprising more than 160 national Caritas organisations.

With the care folder, Caritas offers a hand to people who want to be independent and shape their own lives – to the end.

How we see ourselves

We are a trustworthy and reliable organisation • We know the groups we work with and take their needs seriously.

• We practise a policy of active, transparent communication.

• We rely on skilled, motivated em­ployees who adhere to the mission statement of Caritas Switzerland.

• We are a responsible employer and practise social partnership • We guarantee effective deployment of the funds entrusted to us

In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Caritas supports farming families in cultivating and marketing raspberries and helps them to secure an income.

How we see ourselves

We are an innovative, high-profile organisation • We attach central importance to quality. • We provide impetus and define themes. • We are a learning organisation.

What’s next?

It is now up to all of us to be what we aim to be: wherever we are and whatever we do; when we write letters; when we advise; when we give presentations; when we draw up reports; when we enter into partnerships; when we negotiate.

When we act as Caritas representatives, we should consistently adhere to our vision and mission. It is vital that we put our understanding of Caritas into practice.

Mariangela Wallimann-Bornatico President Caritas Switzerland

Hugo Fasel Director Caritas Switzerland

Doing the right thing

Caritas Switzerland Adligenswilerstrasse 15 P.O. Box CH-6002 Lucerne

Phone: +41 41 419 22 22 E-mail: info@caritas.ch www.caritas.ch