Three thesis on SCI

by Philipp Rodriguez (Dec 8, 2006)

This week I was invited to have presentation on SCI at University of Novi Sad. Besides pictures of rich SCI history I presented three thesis on SCI as a kind of conclusion. I had several discussion before and after the presentation and I think it is worth to present them here. Please feel free to comment them.

This week I was invited to have presentation on SCI at University of Novi Sad. Besides pictures of rich SCI history I presented three thesis on SCI as a kind of conclusion. I had several discussion before and after the presentation and I think it is worth to present them here. Please feel free to comment them.

Thesis No.1: SCI is a school for internationalism, which represents an alternative concept to the army as "school of the nation".

Comments: With the conscription in many countries the army was propagated as the "school of the nation", which brings closer people from different regions of a country and creates unity. The founders of SCI propagated, that there should be also a school for international understanding. While the army prepares for war, this school prepares peace. Early visions saw the concept of SCI to become part of the "United Nations", which in fact became reality. After WWI International volunteering was acknowledged and is sub-ordinated to CCIVS, part UNESCO.

Thesis No.2: The peace work of SCI is based on practical work, which can involve and be understood by everybody.

Comments: In SCI practical work has first priority (and not arguments by words). People willing to exchange and to cooperate can show their commitment in a non verbal way, which can be understood and acknowledged by everybody.

Thesis No.3: SCI doesn't have an ideology - SCI is a method of pacifists to deal with problems and propose solutions to the society.

Comments: There's no ideology or faith which you can find in the bible or in a political manifesto. This doesn't mean that SCI have no respect for ideas and principles. The SCI history shows a large variety of activities: North South, East West, Environment, Migration, Integration.
To cover all aspects it makes sense to point out the character of a method or a spirit in order to highlight the independence in political and religious questions.