The Institute for Activism and Social Change is a nongovernmental, non partisan and non political organization that is founded in 2018 and officially registered by Court Decision no.6150, dated 31.01.2019 in the Tirana District Court, and tax Identification number L91420451O.

The organization’s mission is based upon the belief that more inclusive, empathetic and resilient societies can fight growing mistrust and social polarization, bring equality and respect for diversities.

Setting out the above long-term vision, the organization is  characterized  by  its  focus  on addressing  three  conditions outlined, namely: “independence”, as a guarantee of its credibility  and  legitimacy;  “visibility”,  to ensure  the organization is  identifiable  with  a  place  that  is clearly visible and understandable; and “sufficient  financial and  administrative  resources”, given  the  scale of challenges of bridging diversities.   

IANS comes with a team of well known experts in the field of human rights that has been able to articulate its priority strategic pillars:

• Advocacy and Research:
  
  • Develop pro-active approach to embed intercultural dialogue policies at the local and national levels based on gathering of empirical data and platform for media dialogue.
• Youth Voice and Exchange:
  
  • Create opportunities for youth-led dialogue that generates alternative narratives, and provides next generations with the skills to build together more open, resilient communities.
• Intercultural Learning and local powers:
  
  • Enhance, embed and multiply intercultural dialogue capabilities of the different actors at local, national and cross-national level, with strategic focus on broadening intercultural learning
• Networking and Cooperation:
  
  • Facilitate collaborations and partnerships, map priority areas of intervention and synergies among dialogue actors, and support collective visible actions.

The organizational programs and interventions are  built  on  core  principles adopted  by  the  Board  and  aligned  founding acts and statute. They are: Quality,  as  a  basis  for  long-term  impact  and stream-lining our programming; Evidence-base,  through  leveraging  data  and research as the basis for defining objectives and outputs; Distinctive  Strengths,  by  focusing  on well know experts and activities that strengthen assets that the Institute offers; Partnerships, that can bring innovation, influence and  income  generation  to  our  programs development; Visibility, through embedding communication at the start of programming processes; Sustainability,  that  is  central  to  our  long-term goals and mission.

IANS is receiving support by the Dutch Embassy, AWEN Network, Leviz Albania, Westminster Foundation, Open Society Institute and Swiss Embassy.

IANS is an accredited organization by the National Professional Medical training Centre (QKEV) with a program that includes 25 credits and dedicated to Stress Management for Patients suffering from HIV/AIDS.

IANS has developed two accredited Training manuals for Rehabilitation of returned persons and Management of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

IANS is actually cooperating with Dutch organization ANTARES, Dutch Helsiki Committes, ODIHR on impact of violence to victims of hate crime

IANS has been supported by WHO Country Office through two programs, 1) dedicated to assessment of the mental health integration into primary health care and legal review of the legislation on medicines.

IANS was invited to participate in the Lugano Mental Health Summer Academy, organized by Swiss Cooperation Fund.

IANS has Memorandums of Understanding with the General Prisons Directorate, Albanian State Police, Police Academy and Ministry of Health and Social Protection.