Dr. DORIS T. ALLEN 

Oct. 8th 1901 - March 7th 2002

       CISV became a reality because of the vision of one person who worked tirelessly to make a difference in our world. Dr. Doris T Allen, a University of Cincinnati psychologist in the years following World War II, had seen the devastation that results when nations engage in war to settle disputes. She envisioned a new approach to working toward the goal of achieving peaceful solutions to worldwide problems.

Dr. Allen believed that people must learn to feel and think in new ways, and that the education for change should start before adolescence and continue into adulthood. According to Dr. Allen, "Peace is possible only as individuals and groups learn to live amicably with one another as friends."

Because of Doris Allen's vision and inexhaustible efforts, she has seen CISV grow from the first international "Village" camp in 1951 to a worldwide organization that has reached over 112,000 participants, helping them learn to live and work together in peace and friendship.