Decentralized Structure

Whereas IOV under the leadership of Secretary-General Alexander Veigl was highly centralized, with programs developed at the Secretariat and then passed down to the Regions and National Sections, the new IOV structure encourages initiative on the local and national level by emphasizing the role of National Sections.

National Sections

National Sections are responsible for providing membership benefits based on the needs and desires of its members.  Programs are developed on the local and national level where traditional Cultural Expression (TCE) takes place.

The Secretariat and Presidential Council play an advisory role to Commissions and National Sections by providing contacts with experts from the IOV international network.   National Sections can draw on the experience of hundreds of individuals and organizations as they formulate plans and implement projects and plans.  At every step, the assistance of the  Secretariat and Presidential Council is available when needed and requested.   

This decentralized structure, with emphasis on the individual members and national sections, encourages and promotes programs tailored to address the unique needs of IOV members and communities.  Successful IOV programs are the result of grassroots activism. Responsibility for preserving and encouraging folk art and folk culture remains in the community where TCE thrives.

The following links will provide background information on IOV Structure and  IOV Government.  Biographical and contact information on key people within the IOV network are found in Who's Who in IOV.