1963 European Working Group Dousadj Iran Earthquake Reconstruction Scarce Decal

The European Working Group was the brainchild of Dutch crown princess Beatrix in 1961. She called for young people in Europe to do more than enjoy flowery platitudes. She called them to action. Although Beatrix didn’t lead the Group for very long, the Group went its own way and achieved much repute through the reconstruction of Dousadj, an Iranian village that had been wiped out by the earthquake of 1962. Following this success, national groups were established in several European countries, with a particularly strong presence in the Netherlands, Great Britain and Norway, while European voluntary development work was undertaken in Asia, Africa and Europe itself. New ideas and practices on ‘development from below’ gained acclaim. Finance, however, remained the major constraint, and by 1968, the European Working Group had disbanded.

This lot is an identification decal for volunteers working in Dousadj, Iran following the earthquake. Due to its ephemeral nature, it is an extremely scarce item usually thrown away after use. The decal has a water-activated back with its original gum. It is approximately 2.75″ in diameter.