Origin and development

« Whenever 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

At the origin

The ATD Fourth World Movement today

Today, the ATD Fourth World Movement has full time volunteers running projects in 24 countries world-wide, and has correspondents in more than 100 countries through the «Permanent Forum on Extreme Poverty in the World», which is a network for sharing experiences about fighting poverty.

Also, The Movement has a children’s world-wide network called Tapori, which allows thousands of children from different backgrounds to develop friendships with other children and to promote the motto: We want all children to have the same chances.

Emphasizing education, creative expression, and civic involvement, ATD Fourth World Movement programs include street libraries, skill-sharing and job training projects, holiday centers, poverty research and publications, discussion forums and representation at local, national and international levels. ATD has consultative status with the United Nations, Unesco, Unicef, ILO and the Council of Europe.

« Our life is an ongoing fight. Sometimes, we don’t even know how we will survive the next day. Being able to eat everyday represents our ultimate joy. Bringing home enough to live, being useful to our family - this is what gives us the strength to move forward ». Maximilio, Americas

« We are often humiliated and misunderstood, hurt by the way we are judged. Yet our lives illustrate that the poorest families never cease to fight in order to offer a future to their children. These families continue to provide their support to those even less fortunate. We know many families around the world who open their doors to the homeless and who welcome children. We need more people to believe in these families and to assert their dignity. ». Arlette, Europe

The Fourth World

In both the richest and poorest countries, families and individuals, because of extreme poverty, have been left out of the progress of their society, sometimes from more than one generation. However much they fight within the shadow to escape this, they have few means and are scorned by society. Together with those who show them solidarity, they form the Fourth World.

A new partnership

ATD Fourth World is a Human Rights Movement that calls for a profound transformation of society. This requires a revision of society’s priorities and a readjustment of its resources so that the very poorest people have the same chance as others to develop their autonomy and participate actively in the society. The progress of the most excluded and voiceless among us is the measure of a truly egalitarian society.

This transformation of society requires the long-term involvement of all those who are willing to join in solidarity with the Fourth World. It commits each citizen to take part in global and human rights based approach to the eradication of poverty. It relies on a true and concrete partnership between all people fighting extreme poverty.

Those living in long-term poverty are at the heart of the ATD Fourth World Movement’s work, participating in planning, implementation, and evaluation of projects and activities.

ATD Fourth World Movement Volunteer corps members have full-time commitment to understanding the lives of the poorest, supporting them in their struggles, witnessing and communicating their courage and efforts.

ATD Fourth World Members are involved on a voluntary basis in various aspects of ATD Fourth World Movement’s work, according to their skills and time available. Through their involvement, they carry an active understanding of poverty into their own lives, organizations, and social circles.