The seed of the OICD was planted in 1998 when OICD founder Bruce White was conducting doctoral research in rural Kyushu, Japan on the topic of intergenerational identity. White observed how individuals constantly switched between different versions of themselves (took on different us/them identity positionings) depending on their context. This led White to question: could understanding these internal shifts in 'us/them' dynamics be key to resolving and even preventing larger conflicts between groups?

What began as an set of anthropological observations grew over time into a mission to create practical solutions for complex social issues. In 2006, Bruce and colleagues launched the Organization for Intra-Cultural Development, the precursor to today's OICD.

Early years were marked by a series of international workshops and collaborations, bringing together diverse academics and practitioners to refine the mission and approach. From Nuremberg to Kyoto, Malta to Belfast, the OICD has drawn on and fostered a global community dedicated to exploring the role of identity in social transformation.

• 2006: OICD members ratified our first constitution in Kyoto, officially establishing the organization.

• 2006-2014: We conducted numerous workshops and projects worldwide, piloting our evolving methodology in diverse contexts from Fiji to Guyana.

• 2014: Launch of the EMIC (Engagement Method for Identities in Conflict) process, a six-stage toolset for social transformation.

• 2015: We rebranded as the Organization for Identity and Cultural Development, reflecting our expanded scope and impact.

• 2014-2019: We conducted training workshops for practitioners working across conflict transformation, extremism, and polarization; in Narobi, London, Belfast, Malta and Kyoto.

• 2019-2022: We expanded our sector coverage to include teacher training, social services and law enforcement, advocacy and climate change.

• 2023: We joined forces with UNESCO to create an East African network of NGOs, agencies and institutions, and create a practitioner's toolkit to distribute identity-based good practices for conflict transformation, social developement and arts and culture education.

• 2024: We battle-tested the EMIC certification program for practitioners seeking a professional qualification in identity-based approaches.

• 2025: We launched the EMIC certification program and Atlas Cultura software for educators and practitioners worldwide.

Over the years, we've worked with an broad range of partners and in various contexts:

• Training policymakers, educators, leaders, artists, and practitioners across human & security services
• Partnering with NGOs, government agencies, universities, public and private entities and international organizations like UNESCO to help build capacities to drive transformation and prevent and solve problems caused by identity and culture

Our EMIC approach has been applied to tackle numerous issues ranging from community cohesion to countering violent extremism, always adapting to the specific needs and contexts of our partners.

Today, the OICD continues to evolve, expanding our initiatives and partnerships. We're committed to addressing some of the world's most pressing issues through our identity-based approach. Whether it's fostering social cohesion, countering polarization, or promoting sustainable development, we believe that understanding and engaging with identities is key to creating lasting positive change.

We invite you to join us in this endeavor. Whether you're an academic, practitioner, policymaker, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, there's a place for you in our story.