Very Important Neighbours (VIN) Project

What is VIN?

The Very Important Neighbours (VIN) Project is a service designed for the traveling professionals and voluntary staff of IFS member organizations. With the possession of a valid VIN traveling service card, IFS members will receive special attention from a host member located within that particular city or community. Both the host organization and the traveler must be registered for the VIN Project.

What services are offered to VIN members?

  • The VIN Project enables traveling members to receive information about the place they are visiting, including a tour of the local lFS member organization.
  • VIN travelers will also be invited to attend special events hosted by the local organization and will be recognized as guests.
  • If the VIN traveler has a particular interest in another local organization, the host will assist in making connections for a meeting and tour.
  • If requested, the host will also provide suggestions on where to eat and stay, as well as advice on interesting places to visit and how to locate emergency assistance if necessary.

Who is eligible?

  • Individuals are eligible to participate within the VIN Project if they are staff, volunteers or board members of an IFS member organization.
  • This also includes the immediate family members of those listed above.
  • The organization they represent must be an IFS member in good standing, which includes being current with membership dues.
  • Also eligible are those individuals who support IFS with financial donations but are not directly connected to an IFS member organization.

How much does it cost?

VIN Project membership cards are valid for one calendar year and can be renewed at the time membership dues are submitted to the IFS office. There will be a $25 USD processing fee to produce and e-mail the Boarding Pass.

How do I enroll?

Download and submit a completed VIN Application to the IFS Headquarters by clicking here. Once eligibility requirements are met, a VIN Boarding Pass will be e-mailed out within three weeks.

Standards & Guiding Principles

The traveler and host organization must agree to the visit in advance of the actual travel time in order to provide for adequate communication and planning. This understanding will be communicated electronically or in writing.

The host organization is expected to create a welcoming environment and offer the basic VIN Services (see description listed in VIN Services.)
Host organizations are not responsible for booking flights or hotels, making reservations or arranging for translation services.

Both the traveler and host will complete all necessary follow up evaluation forms in a timely manner.

VIN visits are based on a mutual understanding between the two organizations. IFS is not liable for these exchanges.

VIN Members

For a list of all V.I.N. members, please click here.