The Most Important in Brief

SOS Ticino is a non-profit humanitarian organization committed to promoting social, political, and economic justice while supporting self-determination and respect for human rights, particularly in contexts of marginalization and poverty. To this end, SOS Ticino supports economically and socially disadvantaged individuals, provides assistance and counseling to unemployed people and migrants, and develops and promotes projects aimed at integration and combating all forms of discrimination and social exclusion. SOS Ticino operates in four main areas of activity: Unemployment, Migration, Human Rights, and Social Enterprise.

1. Purpose

   SOS Ticino is a non-profit humanitarian organization active in Ticino since 1984 and is one of the associations that make up the national SAH/OSEO/SOS network, sharing with them the effort to promote social, political, and economic justice. SOS Ticino works through targeted services and projects to support people who have lost their jobs or are seeking employment, as well as migrants who are looking for better life prospects in Switzerland than those offered by their countries of origin. Over the years, SOS Ticino has established itself as a true center of expertise in its areas of activity and is present throughout the canton Ticino with a wide and diversified range of services. As a partner and interlocutor of public and private institutions and entities, SOS Ticino carries out proximity work and an active and effective support policy for both Swiss and foreign individuals in difficulty. Our support actions for individuals facing fragile situations aim at rebuilding a life path where they can once again feel like full members of the community. Our services are positioned where the need is most urgent and benefit from the expertise of experienced professionals who are attentive to the demands emerging from the region. The services of SOS Ticino work closely and intensively with the institutional and social network present in our canton, offering users listening, counseling, and concrete measures.

2. The Most Important in Brief

   SOS Ticino is a non-profit humanitarian organization committed to promoting social, political, and economic justice while supporting self-determination and respect for human rights, particularly in contexts of marginalization and poverty. To this end, SOS Ticino supports economically and socially disadvantaged individuals, provides assistance and counseling to unemployed people and migrants, and develops and promotes projects aimed at integration and combating all forms of discrimination and social exclusion. SOS Ticino operates in four main areas of activity: Unemployment, Migration, Human Rights, and Social Enterprise.

3. Goals

   Development and implementation of measures to support the most disadvantaged individuals in situations at risk of marginalization and poverty.

4. Principles

   Social Justice and Solidarity SOS Ticino operates based on the fundamental principles of justice and solidarity, without any religious, political, or racial prejudice. The principles of human rights and social justice are at the core of SOS Ticino's work and that of all its collaborators. Dignity Through its work, SOS Ticino seeks to promote respect for others, the recognition of every individual's dignity, uniqueness, experiences, and skills. In the name of dignity and the rights that derive from it, those in need and unable to provide for themselves have the right to receive assistance and the necessary means for a dignified existence. SOS Ticino also actively opposes any practices that harm physical and moral integrity, as well as exploitation, discrimination, and social marginalization. Equal Opportunities and Fight Against Discrimination SOS Ticino is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all individuals, combating prejudice and discrimination. It aims to ensure that everyone can actively participate in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of society, fighting against discrimination based on age, gender, marital status, social background, nationality, culture, religion, skin color, sexual orientation, political beliefs, disability, or illness. Social and Cultural Integration SOS Ticino promotes social and cultural integration as part of its mission. In the name of social justice, solidarity, dignity, and equal opportunities, it strives to ensure fair social integration for all individuals. By upholding the principles of freedom and equality, the organization respects and values cultural differences, fostering intercultural integration while opposing assimilation and cultural marginalization. Autonomy SOS Ticino encourages autonomy, self-determination, and active social inclusion for all individuals. Through its support, counseling, and guidance services, it promotes processes that lead individuals toward independence, awareness of their rights and responsibilities, and the ability to make informed and critical decisions, enabling them to become active members of society. Trust, Loyalty, and Privacy Protection SOS Ticino fosters interpersonal relationships among staff and between staff and beneficiaries based on mutual trust and loyalty. In accordance with the right to privacy, it guarantees the protection of personal and family life, confidentiality, and professional discretion. Environmental Sustainability SOS Ticino integrates sustainability and environmental respect into its activities. Personnel Development, Training, and Education SOS Ticino ensures a supportive work environment that values and enhances the skills of its staff. It encourages continuous training, professional development, and personal growth. The organization also upholds its values by welcoming volunteers, interns, and civil service workers into its structure. Transparency SOS Ticino upholds transparent management practices, ensuring salary transparency for staff, as well as accountability to association members, partners, donors, and public institutions. Personal Integrity SOS Ticino promotes the respect of every individual’s physical, psychological, and sexual integrity. It actively works to prevent and combat all forms of violence, including within professional relationships. All SOS Ticino staff members commit to respecting the physical, psychological, and sexual integrity of colleagues and beneficiaries alike.

Area of Impact

• Switzerland