Who are we?

The International Movement ATD Fourth Worldis a non-governmental organization with no religious or political affiliation which engages with individuals and institutions to find solutions to eradicate extreme poverty. Working in partnership with people in poverty, ATD Fourth World’s human rights-based approach focuses on supporting families and individuals through its grass-roots presence and involvement in disadvantaged communities, in both urban and rural areas, creating public awareness of extreme poverty and influencing policies to address it.

More than volunteering, a way of life or lifestyle choice

By Jason French

My name is Jason and I’ve been with ATD Fourth World since 1995. At an information weekend in 1994 I realized how little I knew about long-term poverty: the situations people live in, their lack of choices, the stigma, the misunderstanding, the strength and doggedness they need to keep going. It changed the way I see the world so I chose to join ATD and started on an amazing journey.
‘Chose’ might seem an odd word but that’s one thing among many that make ATD (…)

My Life as a Volunteer

Self-portrait by Karol Laínez

My name is Karol Laínez. I’m 29 years old and I’m from Honduras. For me, volunteering has been like a school of life; I’ve learned a lot and I’ve discovered a world I didn’t know existed. I first came into contact with the Fourth World Movement when I was 15 years old. I started off helping with street libraries and later became a volunteer when I was 21 in Guatemala, where I lived for four years. Part of my journey started there, a journey of learning and discovery, a journey full of hope (…)

I Am Emma

Emma lives in El Alto, above La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. She is very committed to her community and is actively involved in establishing links and meeting with others who are very poor and who struggle to keep their heads above water day after day. Emma also cares about supporting what others say and she sometimes speaks on their behalf – she is one of them.
Her commitment to and involvement in creating a fairer society also extends to her work in "the House of Friendship" (la (…)
 

Other files

ATD Fourth World International Structure and Activity Reports
News and Perspectives from the International Leadership Team of ATD Fourth World
Unknown volunteers
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Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated.
To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.

Joseph Wresinski