Our roots are simple; our mission, realistic.
MEET THEODOSIS
a.k.a IDEA's founder
He researched the main reasons people
hesitated to support NGOs:
limits on volunteerism
lack of trust
{transparency concerns}
We needed to create an NGO controlled by the people
So in 2007, we began...
IDEA's 1st Project
Forest Fires in Zaharo, Greece
2007
Following the large fires in Greece, Theodosis and Efi helped
distribute food, clear woods, and plant trees in Zaharo,
marking the first organized I.D.E.A. project.
Behind the scenes:
The initial idea was to gather a large group of volunteers, but when the time came, only Theodosis and Efi showed up.
That didn’t stop them—they drove for hours to the fire-ravaged area, handing out food and clearing debris. This project sparked the idea that small groups can make a big impact.
I.D.E.A. Union is Established
2009
I.D.E.A. becomes a legal entity as Theodosis gathers 21 of his closest friends to sign and create the foundation for the organization.
The signing wasn’t just a formal step—it became a celebration of unity and shared purpose.
As each person signed, the room filled with optimism, laughter, and a sense of hope. Every signature symbolized trust in the future of I.D.E.A., marking the start of something greater.
2010
Clothes for All Hand-in-Hand
I.D.E.A.'s first action involved
collecting and distributing second-hand clothes for free
at Omonia Square in Athens.
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Food for All by Night Excursion
2012
By the end of 2012, I.D.E.A. had completed its 27th excursion of the Food for All by Night project, demonstrating the rapid success and impact of the initiative.
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2013 ~ 2016
The Meritocratic Method Begins
I.D.E.A. initiates around 15 actions per month, entirely on a voluntary basis,
while beginning the development of the meritocratic method, which aims to resolve ego clashes and foster cooperation through skills-based leadership.
2017
Milestones in
Projects & Transparency
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I.D.E.A. completes
its 120th project "Food Door-to-Door",
its 199th project ‘’Food for All by Night’’ and
its 34th project "Clothes Hand-in-Hand" projects
testing its transparency method through 450 projects with thousands of volunteers.
The sheer number of projects was overwhelming at times.
Every action was meticulously documented, every euro accounted for.
The transparency system evolved to the point where anyone could see how every penny was spent. Volunteers embraced this, knowing that their contributions were handled with complete honesty.
2018
Peaceful Revolution book published by IDEA
"Ειρηνική Επανάσταση" (Peaceful Revolution) is a thought-provoking book written by Theodosios Tzanos, the founder of I.D.E.A.
"Ειρηνική Επανάσταση" (Peaceful Revolution) is a thought-provoking book written by Theodosios Tzanos, the founder of I.D.E.A. It explores the transformative power of nonviolent action in creating a more just and balanced world. Drawing on personal experiences and deep reflections, the book offers insights into how individuals and communities can catalyze positive change through peaceful means. Published by I.D.E.A., this work serves as both a philosophical guide and a call to action for those who seek to empower themselves and others in the pursuit of a better future.
2019
Youth Participation in Erasmus+ Key Action 1 Projects
I.D.E.A. had sent over 250 young people to more than 50 Erasmus+ Key Action 1 youth exchanges and seminars, providing participants with life-changing experiences through international collaboration.
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These exchanges empowered youth to share ideas and form meaningful connections across borders, fostering a new generation of socially engaged individuals.
2020
16th National & International Conference (HSSS)
A talk by Theodosis Tzanos.
Topic: Extreme Monetary and Organisational Transparency in the NGO Sector
Behind the scenes: This talk marked a significant moment for I.D.E.A., showcasing the transparency model to a broader audience and emphasizing the need for complete financial openness in NGOs.
Theodosis shared insights into the methods and challenges faced by I.D.E.A. as it implemented this radical transparency.
2023
Talk on Active Citizenship
Theodosis Tzanos, IDEA.'s president, gave a talk at the ISA school, inspiring students to pursue their dreams while actively contributing to a better future for everyone.
Speaking to the students at his alma mater, Theodosis felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that he was inspiring the next generation to take charge of their future and their communities.
2024
First Coordinated Erasmus+ Key Action 1 Project
I.D.E.A. successfully coordinated its first Erasmus+ Key Action 1 project in Armenia, marking a milestone in leading international projects in collaboration with its Armenian partner.
Behind the scenes: The culmination of years of hard work, this project reflected I.D.E.A.'s growing capacity to take on large-scale, impactful initiatives on a global stage.
Global Testing
2024
I.D.E.A. completed two projects in Japan and the Philippines to test that its processes do not have geographical limitations. The organization is now working on two more projects: one in India, where three 18-year-old orphans will experience volunteerism, and another in Nigeria, where I.D.E.A. is collaborating with a local woman to provide schooling materials to children in Lagos.
Japan
Philipines
