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. 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 name
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 that deepens our understanding of nature, humanity, and the universe. Every search is at the same time an exercise in the freedom of conscience, challenging the ignorance, confusion, and prejudices that hinder calm and profound reflection.
We believe Philosophy is an innate attitude inherent in human beings. We aim to translate this attitude into actions that allow us to develop our full potential and improve our world. We propose a practical philosophy, useful for both individuals and society.
We do it not only through reading, study and theoretical knowledge, but also by learning to live well with strength and efficiency at every moment of life; to seize the opportunities that come our way, 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.
At New Acropolis, we are dedicated to promoting dialogue through every means available to us, based on the vision that dialogue is essential in our society, especially as we contend with the challenges of isolation and a pervasive sense of emptiness.
Culture is expansive and includes various disciplines: History, Anthropology, Physics, Arts, Sports, and many others… through these disciplines, we aim to explain the events and uncertainties of our times.
Volunteering
At New Acropolis, volunteering is a practical means of embodying and applying philosophy and culture. It is an attitude of active and conscious participation in contributing to the common good of society, assumed by every idealist.
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.
Through volunteering, we demonstrate our commitment to society by engaging in humanitarian, ecological, and social projects that support those 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.