Founded in 2023, AIDAN is a non-profit association based in Vigneux-sur-Seine, France. Our mission is rooted in a simple yet powerful belief: that dialogue, mutual understanding, and mediation can transform lives and communities. AIDAN exists to promote mediation as an accessible, effective, and humane alternative to conflict, while also contributing actively to the improvement of local life by supporting access to rights and community-based projects.
We are more than just an organization—we are a collective of individuals dedicated to building bridges in society. Our work focuses on those everyday spaces where tensions arise and where opportunities for collaboration and understanding are often missed. Whether in shared housing environments, public spaces, youth settings, transport systems, or community initiatives, we believe that communication is at the heart of lasting solutions.
A Local Initiative with a Broader Vision
Our association was born out of an urgent need observed in our immediate surroundings: the growing distance between individuals, the escalation of minor conflicts into larger problems, and the lack of accessible, neutral spaces for dialogue. AIDAN was created to respond to these needs by offering tools and support rooted in the practice of mediation, civic engagement, and community collaboration.
Although we are based in Vigneux-sur-Seine, our ambition reaches far beyond geographical borders. We believe that the values we uphold—respect, listening, inclusion, and solidarity—are essential everywhere. Our team is committed to sharing best practices and building partnerships with other associations, institutions, and professionals who share our vision.
Our Identity and Values
What defines AIDAN is not just what we do, but how and why we do it. We are driven by a set of core values that inform every aspect of our work:
- Human Dignity: We recognize the intrinsic worth of every person and approach each situation with empathy and respect.
- Neutrality and Impartiality: As mediators, we do not take sides. Our role is to facilitate fair dialogue, not to impose outcomes.
- Confidentiality: We create safe spaces where individuals can express themselves freely, knowing that their words will be treated with the utmost discretion.
- Autonomy and Responsibility: We support individuals and groups in making their own decisions, helping them become active participants in resolving their conflicts or improving their living conditions.
- Social Justice and Inclusion: We advocate for equity, accessibility, and representation. We pay special attention to those whose voices are too often ignored or excluded.
These values are not abstract—they are lived and embodied through every conversation, every mediation, and every local initiative we support.
Our Team
AIDAN is made up of a diverse and committed group of professionals and volunteers with backgrounds in mediation, social work, law, psychology, community development, and civic education. What unites us is our shared dedication to positive social change and our practical experience in dealing with the complexities of everyday conflicts.
Our mediators are trained and follow clear ethical guidelines. They are equipped to intervene in a wide range of situations—whether it is a neighborly dispute, a breakdown in communication within a housing complex, challenges related to youth integration, or tensions in public spaces. Our team members approach each case with care, respect, and a genuine willingness to help all parties find common ground.
What Makes Us Different
Many organizations work to resolve conflicts, but AIDAN’s approach is distinguished by several key characteristics:
- We focus on everyday, low-intensity conflicts that may seem minor but can deeply affect social cohesion if left unaddressed.
- We operate directly in the field, where tensions are lived and felt—whether that be in a residence, a youth center, or a public square.
- We combine mediation with social support, recognizing that many disputes stem from or are exacerbated by issues related to housing, employment, access to services, or marginalization.
- We empower individuals and groups, rather than imposing solutions. We help people rediscover their capacity to listen, express themselves, and build agreements.
- We take a preventive and educational approach, offering workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to build a culture of dialogue and participation.
Areas of Action
AIDAN’s work is organized around several priority areas where the need for communication and mediation is particularly acute:
- Public Space: We help manage tensions in parks, on streets, and in common areas where people from different backgrounds interact.
- Collective Housing: We intervene in residential settings to facilitate dialogue between neighbors, tenants and property managers, or co-owners, helping to prevent or resolve recurring conflicts.
- Access to Rights and Services: We support individuals in navigating complex administrative procedures, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights respected.
- Youth and Education: We promote youth participation in civic life and offer spaces for expression, conflict resolution, and project development.
- Transport and Mobility: We address tensions in shared transport environments by promoting respectful behavior, cooperation, and understanding.
- Community Engagement: We collaborate with local actors to identify issues, co-design solutions, and foster social innovation.
Our Approach in Practice
Each case we take on begins with listening. We take the time to understand the situation, the people involved, and the context. We offer a neutral and confidential space for dialogue. Where appropriate, we organize mediation sessions, either between individuals or within groups. We may also propose follow-up support, referral to other services, or involvement in community-building activities.
Our approach is flexible, respectful, and adapted to the specific needs of each person and context. We know that no two conflicts are the same, and we are committed to crafting thoughtful and durable responses.
Looking Ahead
As AIDAN grows, our goal is not only to expand our reach, but also to deepen our impact. We aim to strengthen our partnerships, develop more prevention programs, and continue building a strong foundation of trust with the communities we serve.
We also see education as a key priority—raising awareness about mediation, teaching conflict resolution skills, and encouraging active citizenship among youth and adults alike.
We believe in long-term transformation—one conversation at a time.
If you would like to collaborate, learn more, or support our work, please contact us at admin@zihuy.com or visit us at 58 Rue des Cèdres, 91270 Vigneux-sur-Seine. We look forward to meeting you and building a future based on listening, respect, and solidarity.