From a grassroots passion project to a professional international NGO-style institution.
As of August 11, 2021, after the world was severely affected by the global coronavirus pandemic, with the advice of Mangal Das Shrestha and Raj Krishna Shrestha, and with the support of Birendra Gubhaju Shakya and Paru Ram Thapa, this organization was established in New York, USA.
The organization was founded with the objective of providing immediate assistance wherever needed to individuals and communities around the world who have been left behind or are facing hardship in various ways.
Vision Clubs got its start back in the late 2010s to early 2020s as a small, grassroots effort driven by a tight-knit group of Nepali people—many of whom had strong ties to both Nepal and the United States. It kicked off with just a couple of clubs and was built around the simple but powerful ideas of volunteerism, getting young people involved, and making a real difference in local communities. Founders like Mangal Das Shrestha were right at the heart of it, shaping the whole vision from the beginning. This was a time when youth-led social groups were popping up everywhere around the world and diaspora communities were busy building bridges across borders.
As Vision Clubs began to grow—with more members joining and activities picking up steam—it naturally started figuring out who it really was and how it wanted to operate. This early organization phase marked the exciting shift from a laid-back, informal group into a more structured setup. They officially adopted the full name “The International Association of Vision Clubs," defined their core values around service, ethics, and cooperation, and even created a memorable slogan—“Visionary, Cooperative, Intelligent”—plus the heartfelt motto “We Serve Nepal Differently.”
As Vision Clubs really started picking up momentum, it entered an exciting phase of rapid expansion and international growth. Membership boomed, activities multiplied, and its presence spread quickly—building a rock-solid base in Nepal (especially around Kathmandu), using the United States as its main administrative and diaspora hub, and reaching into other countries like the UK, Australia, and beyond. They opened multiple clubs in different regions, created a true international leadership network, and significantly boosted volunteer programs and public service initiatives.
By 2021, Vision Clubs had reached its most significant milestone yet — the Formal Institutionalization phase — when it officially matured into a fully structured, professional international organization. The pivotal moment came on July 1, 2023, with the establishment of its official Constitution and By-Laws. From that point on, everything changed: the club gained a proper governance system complete with an International Board of Directors, Executive Officers, and clear election procedures.
Official Constitution & Global Structure
Today, Vision Clubs is in an exciting phase of growth and consolidation, steadily building on its strong foundation while looking ahead to even bigger things. It boasts a solid leadership presence in its two main hubs—Nepal, particularly Kathmandu, and the United States, where its headquarters are based in New York—supported by an active international board that brings together voices from around the world.
Strategically positioning ourselves to become a true global leader in humanitarian service, while strengthening its institutional credibility, forging powerful global partnerships, and driving steady membership growth.