New Acropolis is an International Organization that promotes an ideal of timeless values in order to contribute to individual and collective development, working in the fields of Philosophy, Culture and Volunteering.
Foundation, Organization and Structure
Foundation
How was New Acropolis created?
Origins and Presidency
New Acropolis was founded in 1957 in Buenos Aires, Argentina by professor Jorge Ángel Livraga Rizzi. From 1992 to 2020 Delia Steinberg Guzmán acted as the International Director. New Acropolis, as a School of Philosophy, has been operating since 1973 without interruption. Since 2020, Mr Carlos Adelantado Puchal has taken over the responsibility of president of International Organization New Acropolis.
The International Organization New Acropolis (OINA) has its headquarters in Brussels, uniting the associations of the different countries who abide to its Foundational Letter and its working principles. New Acropolis is an international non for profit association, recognized as such by the Royal Decree of Feb 12 1990 n.3/12-941/S, according to the Law o25/10/19 of the Kingdom of Belgium. It is registered in the International Registry of Associations (see Moniteur n.48 of March 9, 1999, page 4489).
Organization
How does New Acropolis operate?
Headquarters and Legal status
Structure
How is the structure of New Acropolis?
Associated members and working mechanisms
The associative structure of New Acropolis ensures the respect for diversity, autonomy and the initiative of each one of its membes. It allows operations to be carried out with total independence of political, religious or financial interests. The associated members are held accountable by the authorities of their own country and follow the international regulations in the area of civil society associations.
According to New Acropolis bylaws, the Board of Directors of the International Association is composed by a representative of each one of the federated associations. The members of the International Executive Council are chosen from the pool of federated associations and take on the responsibility of coordination and joint work to implement the policies which are defined in each annual meeting of the General Assembly.
The symbolism of a human being
In ancient Greece, the Acropolis designated the highest part of the city. There the contact between the visible and invisible was established.
It is about a symbolic place for our imagination which inspires the path towards the highest part of one´s self.
We consider that our world needs new acropolises, not made of stone but of human beings, risen in the heart of our cities to grow internally and reestablish the profound ties which can unite us with other human beings and nature around us.
Our principles
Fraternity
1. To promote an Ideal of international fraternity, based on respect for human dignity, beyond racial, sexual, cultural, religious, social or other differences.
It is necessary to promote respect for different identities and traditions, and at the same time to strengthen unity beyond differences, to harmonize people, ideas and feelings in an enriching and open coexistence.
The strength of this ideal of fraternity lies more in what unites us than in what separates us. It is firmly based on a recognition of universal values, which, while respecting diversity, transcend local practices and customs and come together in a set of common ethical principles that are inherent in the dignity of every human being. This ideal promotes respect for and promotion of human rights, as well as the recognition of certain principles of universal ethics.
The love of truth and knowledge sets out from the legitimate aspiration to develop one’s own discernment and understanding of the world and oneself. We understand philosophy as an axis that connects the different facets and angles of human knowledge.
Philosophy can bring together the sources of the past and the present in that global, broad and integrating vision, so that it becomes a real force for progress, which seeks not only to explore the paths of life, but to go deeply into its ultimate ends, and tries to combine all aspects of knowledge and experience.
Knowledge
2. To encourage the love of wisdom through the comparative study of philosophies, religions, sciences and arts, in order to promote the knowledge of the human being, the laws of Nature and the Universe.
Development
3. To develop the best of the human potential, by promoting the realization of the human being as an individual and his or her integration as an active and conscious part of society and nature, in order to improve the world.
Our work results in better individuals who bring sustainability to social development. The human being still has an enormous latent potential. To know it and develop it is one of the fundamental pillars of life itself and provides a source of lasting satisfaction.
The achievement of harmony between thought, feeling and action is a goal for every human being. A balanced and all-round development of oneself, and the actualization of the best qualities and values of our human nature, are probably the only guarantee of moving towards a better world.
Areas of Work
Philosophy
Philosophy has always been a search for spiritual truth, a process of deepening knowledge about nature, about human beings and the universe. Each act of search is at the same time an exercise in freedom of conscience that confronts ignorance, confusion and prejudices that prevent calm and deep reflection.
For us, Philosophy is an innate attitude in human beings. Our task is that this innate attitude can be translated into actions that allow us to develop our full potential and improve our world. We propose a practical Philosophy, useful for each individual and for society.
We do it not only through reading, study and theoretical knowledge, but we also propose to learn to live well, with strength and efficiency, at every moment of life. Take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to us, learning something positive even from adversity.
This is what we mean by "Philosophy as a way of life".
We are working to improve the world and the human being by means of Philosophy in the classical tradition: a philosophical quest that offers answers to contemporary problems.
Culture
At New Acropolis we recognize the need to preserve and develop, through an integrated approach, art, science, mysticism and politics, as fundamental aspects that constitute a civilization. Through a wide variety of cultural activities, we are building the paths of development of these four aspects, with the common denominator of Philosophy.
Culture broadens our understanding of life and the world and brings us closer to people, through a spirit of respect, solidarity and understanding. The purpose is to achieve ethical, moral and permanent values that reinforce human dignity and the protection of their most basic rights of life and coexistence.
In New Acropolis we promote dialogue through all means at our reach with the vision that dialogue is more than ever needed in our societies which suffer from the effects of isolation and meaningless solitude.
The theme is large and contains diverse disciplines: from History to Antropology, Physics, Arts, Sports… helping to explain the phenomenon and uncertainties of our time.
Volunteering
For New Acropolis, Volunteering is the practical way to embody and apply Philosophy and Culture. It is the natural expression of generosity and service to society that each idealist assumes, as a responsibility of active and conscious participation to contribute to the common good.
All the activities carried out by New Acropolis in the world, in its different fields of action, are achieved thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers.
By means of Volunteering we express our commitment to society, through humanitarian, ecological actions and social and educational projects in support of those most in need.
The volunteering programs of the IONA offer society the opportunity to develop values of solidarity, tolerance and respect for others, which make us better as individuals and help to make the world a better place.