About Us

“Go to the people, learn from them, build on what they have.”

– Dr. Y.C. James Yen

Together with our development partners, we build on the unique assets and strengths of the rural people. We focus on learning what works for them through research, action, sharing, and enriching their knowledge. We then implement field programs that empower rural communities.

Today, IIRR continues to influence local and national agendas to mobilize political commitments, funding, and innovation necessary to alleviate poverty in rural areas.

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Our Mission

We enable communities and those who work with them to develop innovative, yet practical, solutions to poverty through a community-led development approach and to widely share these lessons to encourage replication.

Our Vision

We envision a world of equity, justice, and peace where people achieve their full potential, learning to live a life of quality and dignity in harmony with the environment.

OUR FOUNDER

Dr. Y.C. James Yen

October 26, 1893 – January 17, 1990

The work of IIRR is anchored in the principles and teachings of Dr. Y.C. James Yen, the founder of the Chinese Mass Education Movement, which supported campaigns to teach sixty million people to read and write. Dr. Yen espoused the importance of equal education and opportunity to correct injustice. Dr. Yen said, “Where there is equity and justice, there will be peace.” We honor his legacy through IIRR by sharing knowledge with people in rural communities so they may share with others to achieve equality throughout the world.

More info about Dr. Yen

CREDO

IRR's Mission statement and a confirmation of Dr. Yen’s historic Credo of Rural Reconstruction crystallize the response of the Institute to the current needs of the rural poor in developing countries.

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Logo

The PING is a Chinese ideogram, a symbol expressing an idea that cannot adequately be summarized in words. It was used as the logo of the Mass Education Movement founded in China in 1923 by Dr. Y.C. James Yen...

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People

We maintain a staff of 200 people across nine offices.

Our partners trust us to co-implement projects; governments and private institutions trust our technical expertise and ability to create solutions that serve rural communities; donors trust us to use their funds to uplift the lives of the rural people.

Board of Trustees

Leadership

IIRR is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization. All contributions to IIRR are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. As of 2018, IIRR's work over 60 years has been generously supported by contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments.

In the last 10 years, 80% of our funds were spent on our regional programs. We also earn revenue from trainings and technical assistance.

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IIRR Form 990 2018

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