Today, there are numerous associations and organisations around the world, known as “Swiss charitable organisations”, “Swiss philanthropic associations” or “Swiss fraternal benefit societies”, that are dedicated to the Swiss Abroad.
Switzerland’s long history of emigration
Swiss charitable organisations arose to meet the need for connections and support in the wake of a major emigration movement in the 18th and 19th centuries. At that time, the harshness of rural life, the scourge of poverty and the general deprivation drove many Swiss citizens to leave in search of a brighter future. Many families chose to cross the Atlantic and set up home in the US, Canada, Argentina and Brazil, amongst other places. The countries neighbouring Switzerland, such as France and Germany, were also popular destinations. This migration saw associations spring up in the four corners of the globe. Many of these associations are still operating today, from Canada to the Philippines, via Latin America, Oceania and even Europe. They arose both in destination countries and in countries along the way, such as in large sea ports like Bordeaux and New York.
200 years at the service of the Swiss
Some associations, such as the Swiss charitable organisations in Paris and Bordeaux, have celebrated 200 years in operation! The charitable organisation in Berlin is over 180 years old and that in Vienna is 160.
These long-standing, structured communities have developed a profound humanitarian awareness. The chief motivation behind the fundamental work of Swiss charitable organisations has often been to “support the needy Swiss” far from their native land. This way of reknitting the social fabric lost to emigration bears witness to the commitment made to help fellow citizens. The volunteer work performed supplemented the efforts made by the state to provide social rights for its citizens (and still supplements them), sometimes coordinating these efforts as well. The link provided by the associations mitigates the limits of the support that official aid from the state can offer and recreates, in an appropriate form, the network of acquaintances lost by people leaving their country of origin. The chief task of coming to the aid of Swiss without resources has changed considerably. Currently, the activities carried out by charitable organisations around the world are very diverse.
What are the main activities of these charitable organisations today?
Economic and social support to compatriots in need
Many associations still offer tangible economic support to fellow Swiss citizens in need, when they are vulnerable in some way: ad hoc financial assistance may be possible, and social support for isolated elderly people or even help with administrative procedures is available in many organisations. These associations thus handle vital additional tasks over and above what official bodies can cover.
Young Swiss Abroad
Support for young Swiss Abroad is also provided by numerous associations. Partial grants or financial assistance with education may be available in certain circumstances. Advice and recommendations for administrative procedures can be provided.
Maintaining ties with Swiss cultural heritage
Celebrations, typical recipes and traditional or folk festivals perpetuate Swiss local customs and traditions. This is how traditions live on outside the home country. Organising events like these lets people feel that they belong to the diaspora.
Promoting Swiss languages
Multilingualism, which is so characteristic of Switzerland, is also supported by Swiss charitable organisations, which often offer bilingual or inclusive activities in Switzerland’s different national languages.
Community networking among Swiss
Meeting places for the diaspora are venues for having discussions, sharing interests and preserving contact among fellow citizens. Links between expats, offering a welcome to newly arrived families or support for students coming from Switzerland can be a starting point for fellow citizens abroad.
Representing the interests of the Swiss Abroad
Charitable organisations work hand-in-hand with Swiss representations abroad, such as consulates and embassies, as well as the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad. The interests of the “Fifth Switzerland” are defended and promoted.
A word on the other Swiss institutions abroad
Other institutions, such as the Hôpital Suisse de Paris in France, established in 1970, are still in operation. This hospital, created mainly by Swiss people and binationals, was initially designed to cater to Swiss living in the region but, of course, is open to everyone. The Hôpital Suisse de Paris is the only Swiss hospital operating outside Switzerland. There is also a Swiss senior care home near the hospital, in Issy-les-Moulineaux, just outside Paris.
What does the future hold for organisations for the Swiss Abroad?
One can only admire the way in which the work done by these associations to bring people together has survived the test of time and how the activities of charitable organisations have stayed current.
This solidarity, adopted by multiple associations in a large number of countries, bears witness to an organisation for the Swiss Abroad that is unique in its genre and profoundly philanthropic. This solidarity beyond national borders is inspiring in many respects.
If this link is to survive, the next generations must also commit to volunteering, and the keen hope is that they will take an interest. The information in this article is general and non-exhaustive. We encourage you to contact the charitable organisations operating in your country of residence, if you feel the need, or if you would like to lend a hand by signing up!
This article is an update to the article published in July 2022 (“Review” 3/22) and available here: www.revue.link/aid
Comments