# AIESEC History
**For almost 71 years, since it was founded after the World War II, AIESEC has been giving youths the chance of developing their skills and shaping their personalities in order to become the leaders the world needs. This has been possible by keeping a permanent connection with AIESEC members worldwide, creating a network of communication and mutual help which goes beyond the cultural borders.**
## AIESEC is...
AIESEC is a global, non-political and not-for-profit youth organisation which was founded in **1948** by a group of young European people **(Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden)**. Its fundamentals were shaped by the social, political and economic climate of that time. The aim was setting a worldwide network, aspiring to *Peace and Fulfilment of Humankind’s Potential*, so that young people all over the world can have the opportunity to develop their personalities in a peaceful climate, delivering the best version of themselves.
## We're big!
Our organisation is present on each continent and counts **127** national committees and over **40,000** members. The **Global Committee (AIESEC International) is in Montreal** and consists of 21 members who oversee the activities of all committees worldwide. At the national level, the *Member Committees* are the ones which oversee the *Local Committees* in a given AIESEC country.
## The Six Core AIESEC Values
A **Local Committee** enables youths to take the first step in this organisation, by being **Team Members**, Team Leaders or Vice-presidents in every Local Committee’s departments. Here they learn how to act according to the **Six Core Values in AIESEC** *(Striving for Excellence, Demonstrating Integrity, Activating Leadership, Acting Sustainably, Enjoying Participation, Living Diversity)* and most importantly, develop in their personalities the characteristics of leadership. Through the **Leadership Development Model** we want our members to develop their *self-awareness*, to adopt a *solution-oriented* attitude, to be able to express their ideas clearly and to *empower* other people to *take action*.
## Yay! Responsibility!
When the new members start their journey as Team Members, they take responsibility of their position by learning to work in a team and getting familiar with the general working pace. On the other hand, the Team Leaders have the responsibility of delegating tasks and making their members aware of their role in the team, tracking their achievements and most importantly, integrating them in the Local Committee.
The Vice-presidents are in charge of coordinating the operations in their area, but most importantly, give people within the chance of an amazing experience. “As a Vice-president you have a big responsibility: to supervise the entire department and track the implementation of different strategies. But more than that, you have the power to grow your members, to help them find their inner passion and develop their skills.
By encouraging youths to participate in international conferences and through delivering exchange experiences, we strive to develop the leadership potential in each of them and make them aware that every step they take can have a huge impact even in a non-familiar climate.
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