Fimcap facts for kids
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Abbreviation | FIMCAP |
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Formation | April 22, 1962 |
Type | INGO |
Purpose | International umbrella organization of catholic youth organizations |
Headquarters | Antwerp, Belgium |
Membership
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33 unions |
Presidents
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Marie Lavall Ruben Leeman |
Praeses
|
Fr. Wilson de Jesus Mendes |
Secretary-General
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Annelies Van Wolvelaer |
Website | www.fimcap.org |
FIMCAP is a big international group that brings together many Catholic youth organizations from different countries. Its full name is Fédération Internationale des Mouvements Catholiques d'Action Paroissiale, which means "International Federation of Catholic Parish Youth Movements" in French.
FIMCAP helps these youth groups work together. It has 33 member organizations in many countries around the world. FIMCAP started in 1962. It is officially recognized as a Catholic organization. FIMCAP is also part of the European Youth Forum.
Contents
History of FIMCAP
How FIMCAP Started
Before FIMCAP officially began, youth groups from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands started working together in 1959. They wanted to create a bigger international group. In October 1959, they made a plan in Lucerne, Switzerland.
The first meeting with many delegates happened in 1960 in Munich, Germany. Then, on October 7-8, 1961, eleven youth groups officially created FIMCAP in Munich. The public announcement of FIMCAP's start was made on Easter in 1962.
Official Recognition
In 1976, the Holy See (the main authority of the Catholic Church) officially recognized FIMCAP. This made FIMCAP an "International Catholic Organization." Since 2006, the Belgian government has also recognized FIMCAP as an international non-governmental organization.
What Came Before FIMCAP
Before FIMCAP, there were other international Catholic youth groups. One was set up in 1921 in Rome, called the "International Secretariat of Catholic Youth." This group changed its name a few times. In 1948, it became the "International Office of Catholic Youth." In 1954, it was renamed the "International Federation of Catholic Youth (ICYF)."
Later, in 1968, the ICYF joined with another group to form the "World Federation of Catholic Youth" (WFCY). The WFCY stopped its work in 1981. FIMCAP then took over many of its activities. This made FIMCAP the largest international group for Catholic youth organizations.
What FIMCAP Does
FIMCAP organizes many activities for young people around the world.
- World Camp: Every three years, FIMCAP holds a big international youth camp called the World Camp. Young people from different countries come together.
- LINK Magazine: FIMCAP has its own magazine called LINK Magazine. It comes out four times a year.
- Spiritual Activities: They also organize events focused on faith and spiritual growth.
- World Youth Day: FIMCAP members often visit the World Youth Day together. This is a large gathering of young Catholics from all over the world.
- FIMCAP Day: November 20th is celebrated as FIMCAP Day.
Activities in Europe
FIMCAP Europe also has special activities:
- EuroCourse: This is a training course for experienced youth leaders. A different European member organization hosts it each year.
- EuroCamp: This camp helps young leaders from different countries meet and exchange ideas.
- Roundabouts: These are exchanges between local youth groups from different FIMCAP member organizations in Europe.
- Speeddating Seminars: These seminars help groups from different countries connect to start new exchange programs.
- Visits: International groups visit activities of member organizations. Examples include national camps in Denmark, Belgium, and Austria.
- Thematic Projects: They work on specific topics through projects.
- Online Campaigns: FIMCAP Europe runs online campaigns. One example was "Vote Youthfully" for the 2019 European Parliament election.
- Cooperation: They work with other groups like the European Fellowship.
FIMCAP's Important Topics
FIMCAP and its members work together to speak up for children and young people. They want to make sure young voices are heard in the church, society, and politics. FIMCAP believes this work is important because young people face different challenges. Their Christian beliefs and shared values guide this involvement.
FIMCAP wants to improve the quality of youth work. They also want to help shape the future of the world. They aim to protect our planet and improve chances for future generations. FIMCAP believes in sustainable planning, fair opportunities, good education, peace, and helping others.
Here are some key topics FIMCAP focuses on:
- Youth Mobility: FIMCAP wants to make it easier for young people to travel for youth exchanges and activities. They work with the European Youth Forum to improve visa rules for youth travel.
- Recognizing Youth Work: They advocate for youth work, especially international and religious youth work, to be valued and supported.
- Funding for Youth Work: FIMCAP works to ensure there is steady funding for youth activities.
- Environmental Protection: FIMCAP believes we must care for our planet. They call for strong efforts to stop climate change and its negative effects. They also raise awareness about climate problems and ask for support for those most affected.
- Global Cooperation: FIMCAP believes in equal cooperation between different continents. They have focused on supporting global goals like the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Empowering Women and Equality: FIMCAP stresses the importance of women's empowerment and equality. They want to help women and men have truly equal opportunities.
- Children's Rights: FIMCAP supports the participation of all children in society. They want to help children know their rights, as stated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. They also work to create safe places for children and fight against violence and child labor.
- Peace and Dialogue: FIMCAP works with groups like Religions for Peace. They help promote peace and understanding between different religions.
FIMCAP Europe's Focus
- Diversity, Peace, and Respect: In 2015, FIMCAP Europe made a statement about diversity, peace, and respect. This was a response to rising extremism and attacks against refugees or people of certain religions.
- Young Refugees: In October 2015, FIMCAP Europe made a statement about helping children and young people who had to leave their homes because of war or hunger.
- Climate Justice: FIMCAP Europe helped start the alliance Generation Climate Europe. They lead a group focused on climate justice. This group gathers ideas from young people on how to create a green and fair Europe.
- European Youth Goals: FIMCAP helped create the European Youth Goals. These are goals for youth policy in Europe.
How FIMCAP is Organized
Main Groups
The most important meeting for FIMCAP is its General Assembly. This meeting happens every three years. Each member organization sends people to represent them at the General Assembly.
The daily work and management of FIMCAP are handled by the intercontinental presidium. This group includes two presidents, a Praeses (a spiritual advisor), and a Secretary-General. Usually, the presidents are one man and one woman.
The intercontinental bureau (ICB) is like FIMCAP's board of directors. It includes the Presidium and representatives from the different continental groups.
Below these global groups, FIMCAP also has smaller groups for each continent. These are called continental conferences, bureaus, and presidiums.
Becoming a Member
Any Catholic youth organization can apply to join FIMCAP. The General Assembly votes to approve new members. Non-Catholic youth organizations can also join as associate members.
In 2016, FIMCAP made its membership rules clearer. To become a Full Member, an organization needs to meet four requirements:
- It must be a Catholic organization.
- It must organize activities for children or young people.
- It must be led by young people.
- It must have a direct link to local communities, like parishes.
Organizations that meet three of these four rules can become an Affiliate Member. If they meet two rules, they can become a Sustaining Member. Full Members have full voting rights, while Affiliate Members have limited voting rights.
FIMCAP Groups Around the World
Organizations whose names are in bold were founding members of FIMCAP.
FIMCAP Europe
Leaders of FIMCAP Europe
The leaders of FIMCAP Europe are chosen by the European member organizations at the EuroConference, which happens every three years. The FIMCAP Europe leadership team has four members: three presidents and a spiritual assistant. The presidents share the responsibilities, like representing FIMCAP Europe and coordinating activities. The spiritual assistant gives advice on faith-related matters.
Position | Name | Member organization / Country |
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Member of the presidium | Roman Sieler | KjG ![]() |
Member of the presidium | Manuela Hirzel | Jungwacht Blauring ![]() |
Member of the presidium | Alexandria Hansen | FDF ![]() |
Member Organizations in Europe
Country | Name | Acronym | Status |
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Asociația Grupurilor Locale de Tineret | AGLT | Associate |
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Ateitis | Full | |
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Chirojeugd Vlaanderen | Full | |
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Coordinació Catalana | CCCCCE | Full |
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eRko – Hnutie kresťanských spoločenstiev detí | eRko | Full |
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Forum Oratori Italiani | FOI | Full |
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Frivilligt Drenge- og Pige-Forbund | FDF | Associate |
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Jong Nederland | Full | |
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Jungwacht Blauring | JuBla | Full |
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Katholische junge Gemeinde | KjG | Full |
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Katholische Jungschar | Full | |
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Katolikus Ifjúsági Mozgalom | KIM | Observer |
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Fédération Nationale des Patros | Patro | Associate |
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Umbrella | Associate | |
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V.I.A.C. - Institute for Youth Support and Development | VIAC | Observer |
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Żgħażagħ Azzjoni Kattolika | ŻAK | Full |
Member Organizations in Africa
Country | Name | Acronym | Status |
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Chiro Burundi | Full | |
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Chiro Botswana | Full | |
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Chiro South Africa | Full | |
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Catholic Youth Organization Ghana | CYO Ghana | Full |
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Catholic Youth Organization Nigeria | CYO Nigeria | Full |
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Catholic Youth Organisation Sierra Leone | CYO Sierra Leone | Full |
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Kiro Congo | KCD | Full |
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Xaveri Burundi | Full | |
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Xaveri Congo | Full | |
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Xaveri Rwanda | Full | |
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Xaveri South Africa | Full | |
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Xaveri Uganda | Full |
Member Organizations in Asia
Country | Name | Acronym | Status |
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Chiro Youth Movement Philippines | Full | |
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Indian Catholic Youth Movement | ICYM | Full |
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Kithu Dana Pubuduwa | Full | |
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Hatsal Youth Ministry Institute |
Member Organizations in Latin America
Country | Name | Acronym | Status |
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Juventud Parroquial Chilena | JUPACH | Full |
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Kiwo Ayiti | Full | |
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Niños Perseverantes Paraguayos Católico | NIPPAC | Full |
Past Members
Country | Name | Acronym | Status |
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Société de Saint-Vincent de Paul | ||
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Katholieke Jongenclubs | ||
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Schweizer Katholische Jungmannschaftsverband | ||
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La Centrale del Patros Quebec | ||
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Facel Paris | ||
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Namibian Catholic Youth League | NaCaYul |
General Assemblies
The General Assembly is FIMCAP's most important meeting. Here's a list of past assemblies:
Number | Year | Country | City | Topic | Other information |
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0 - Founding Meeting | 1961 (7 – 8 October) | ![]() |
Munich | Founding Meeting | |
1st General Assembly | 1963 | ![]() |
Leiden | Building parish organizations for older teens | |
2nd General Assembly | 1964 | ![]() |
Berlin | The situation of young people aged 14-17 | |
3rd General Assembly | 1965 | ![]() |
Luzern | Youth work in developing countries | Two female organizations (Chiromeisjes Vlaanderen and Kiro Congo filles) became the first female member organizations. |
4th General Assembly | 1966 | ![]() |
Brussels | Youth work after the Second Vatican Council | |
5th General Assembly | 1967 | ![]() |
Vienna | The role of small groups in the future Church | |
6th General Assembly | 1969 | ![]() |
Altenberg | International cooperation | |
7th General Assembly | 1970 | ![]() |
London | FIMCAP's common goals and future | |
8th General Assembly | 1971 | ![]() |
Bad Schönbrunn | Shared aims and structures | |
9th General Assembly | 1973 | ![]() |
Marseille | Working with youth today for tomorrow | |
10th General Assembly | 1975 | ![]() |
Rome | How FIMCAP is organized | JUPACH became a full member of FIMCAP. |
11th General Assembly | 1977 | ![]() |
Vienna | The situation and rights of children and young people | |
12th General Assembly | 1979 | ![]() |
Luzern | The role of the parish | |
13th General Assembly | 1981 | ![]() |
West Wickham | Relationships between European and developing country federations | |
14th General Assembly | 1983 | ![]() |
Aix en Provence | International Year of Youth: participation, peace, and development | |
15th General Assembly | 1986 | ![]() |
Westmalle | ||
16th General Assembly | 1989 | ![]() |
Ryckevelde, Bruges | Living in a world with many cultures | |
17th General Assembly | 1992 | ![]() |
Bruges | Foreigners and cultural exchange | |
18th General Assembly | 1995 | ![]() |
Randa | ||
19th General Assembly | 1998 | ![]() |
Botha's hill | Topics important to young people | |
20th General Assembly | 2001 | ![]() |
Accra | Young people as leaders for peace | Ateitis became a full member of FIMCAP. |
21st General Assembly | 2004 | ![]() |
Barcelona | Young people in a globalizing world | |
22nd General Assembly | 2007 | ![]() |
Assisi | Millennium Development Goals | |
23rd General Assembly | 2010 | ![]() |
Munich | Climate change | CYO Nigeria was admitted as full member. |
24th General Assembly | 2013 | ![]() |
Modra | Children's Rights | AGLT was admitted as Associate member. It was the first non-Christian organization to become a FIMCAP member. The Assembly adopted a statement on "enhancing mobility of young people." |
25th General Assembly | 2016 | ![]() |
Melchtal OW | A child rights-based approach to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) | Hatsal became a member of FIMCAP. |
26th General Assembly | 2019 | ![]() |
Westmalle | The value of play | Chiro Botswana was admitted as a full member of FIMCAP. |
27th General Assembly | 2023 | ![]() |
Gernsheim | Solidarity | Patro & Umbrella became associate members of FIMCAP |
FIMCAP Leaders
World Presidents of FIMCAP
Name | Member organization / Country | Time in office |
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Ruben Leeman | Chiro ![]() |
2019-2025 |
Marie Lavall | KjG ![]() |
2019-2025 |
Lourdes B. Galeano Cuellar | NIPPAC ![]() |
2016-2019 |
James Dsouza | ICYM ![]() |
2016-2019 |
Annette Wahle | KjG ![]() |
2013-2016 |
Liese Vandenheede | Chiro ![]() |
2013-2016 |
Lea Sedlmayr | KjG ![]() |
2010-2013 |
Marvic Debono | ŻAK ![]() |
2010-2013 |
Holger Witting | KjG ![]() |
2007-2010 |
Carme Carrion i. Ribas | CCCCCE ![]() |
2001-2004 |
Olivier Heyen | Chiro ![]() |
1998-2001 |
European Presidents of FIMCAP
Time in office | Member of the presidium | Member organization / Country | Member of the presidium | Member organization / Country | Member of the presidium | Member organization / Country | Spiritual assistant | Member organization / Country |
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2023-2025 | Fidelis Stehle | KjG ![]() |
Caspar Coster | FDF ![]() |
Kim Geißler | KjG ![]() |
Vacant | |
Time in office | Member of the presidium | Member organization / Country | Member of the presidium | Member organization / Country | Member of the presidium | Member organization / Country | Spiritual assistant | Member organization / Country |
2021-2023 | Roman Sieler | KjG ![]() |
Manuela Hirzel | Jungwacht Blauring ![]() |
Alexandria Hansen | FDF ![]() |
Vacant | |
2017-2021 | Bernd Hirschberger | KjG ![]() |
Matthias Schneider | KjG ![]() |
Stan Driesens | Chiro ![]() |
Fr Reuben Gauci | ŻAK ![]() |
Time in office | President | Member organization / Country | Vice-president | Member organization / Country | Activity coordinator | Member organization / Country | Spiritual assistant | Member organization / Country |
2014-2017 | vacant | - | Bernd Hirschberger | KjG ![]() |
Veronika Švitková | eRko ![]() |
Fr Reuben Gauci | ŻAK ![]() |
Time in office | President | Member organization / Country | Vice-president | Member organization / Country | Secretary | Member organization / Country | Spiritual assistant | Member organization / Country |
2011-2014 | Magdalena Lewis | KjG ![]() ![]() |
Juraj Králik | eRko ![]() |
Vincienne Debono | ŻAK ![]() |
Fr Reuben Gauci | ŻAK ![]() |
2008-2011 | Michele Lettieri | FOI ![]() |
Coen Van Kuijk | Jong Nederland ![]() |
Marah Köberle | KjG ![]() |
Fr. Josep Lluís Calvís | CCCCCE ![]() |
2005-2008 | Jürgen Leuser | KjG ![]() |
Carla Acerbi | FOI ![]() |
Over the years, the rules for FIMCAP Europe have changed. The names and roles of the leaders have also changed. Before 2017, the leadership team had a president, a vice-president, an activity coordinator, and a spiritual assistant. The activity coordinator role started in 2014, replacing the secretary position.
Asian Presidents of FIMCAP
Time in office | President | Member organization / Country | Vice-president | Member organization / Country | Secretary | Member organization / Country | Spiritual assistant | Member organization / Country |
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2010-2013 | Jomon Thomas | Indian Catholic Youth Movement ![]() |
Sameera Gayantha Warnakulasuriya | Kithu Dana Pubuduwa ![]() |
Marie Gutierrez | Chiro Philippines ![]() |
Fr Ranjana Kavithre | Indian Catholic Youth Movement ![]() |
African Presidents of FIMCAP
Time in office | President | Member Organization / Country |
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2023-now | Jjuuko Augustine | Uganda Xaverian Movement |
See also
In Spanish: FIMCAP para niños