Mission
Lisle International promotes grassroots educational initiatives which purposefully foster intercultural understanding and leadership, tolerance, youth engagement and development of improved relations among communities in conflict.
Through its Global Seed Fund, Lisle supports small-scale intercultural programs and projects which bridge class, caste, ethnic, religious and gender differences in communities. The Fund supports initiatives in the United States and around the world.
Lisle advocates for a just social order where individuals of all backgrounds participate fully. It believes in understanding diverse perspectives while balancing idealism with practicality. Lisle aims to develop emotional maturity, social awareness, and cultural appreciation among future global leaders.
Our Founders
Dr. DeWitt C. Baldwin with his wife Edna Aiken Baldwin founded, nurtured and guided Lisle for almost 60 years, until his death in the early 1990’s. Their creative understanding of the isolation of the United States in the 1930’s led to the development of Lisle’s six week summer camp programs, called “Units”. Their idea of inviting both international and U.S. college students to come, live and learn together in a sharing and serving atmosphere was at the cutting edge of the educational practice of the time.
Dr. DeWitt C. Baldwin and Edna Aiken Baldwin
History
A pioneer in conducting experiential intercultural programs, Lisle International has supported broadening global awareness and intercultural understanding since its founding in 1936. Initially, Lisle offered six-week programs created by volunteers to promote global understanding. Its model focused on intercultural education and work experience, emphasizing community involvement, reflective group experiences, and cultural sensitivity.
Today, Lisle continues its mission of fostering peace and understanding between cultures. Lisle pioneered international exchange and inspired various educational initiatives. More about its history can be found in “Tiger By the Tail” by Dr. Dewitt Baldwin, and its archives are at the University of Toledo.