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WBFN welcome support advocate
A tribute to all our volunteers since 1972. We wouldn’t exist without you.
Publication Directors Shaheen Khan Catherine Mathieu Contributing Editor Alexandra Alba Graphic Design and Layout Gilda Dadush
“When my spouse was offered employment at the Bank, I checked online the support WBFN offered to spouses and families and it was one of the factors that my spouse accepted the offer and both of us moved to DC.” –B
STAFFFOCUS What is good for families is good for the institution When staff members have peace of mind regarding the well-being of their families during relocation, they can focus on the job and function at an optimal level. This benefits the WBG, helping to keep the cost of operations low (for example, reducing the probabilities of a failed relocation) and increasing the chances of attracting and retaining staff. WBFN has almost half a century of identifying and addressing the many and complex needs of spouses/partners and their families when they move to a new location, and later on, for the duration of their stay.
45 Years welcome support advocate
2004 MoU between WBFN and the WBG
1978 UN Women’s Forum in partnership with IMF, IADB, PAHO, US State Department
1972
The beginning
1975 First Annual Meeting
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
1990 Spouses eligible for computer trainings and use of the Bank-IMF library
1982 Launch of the Book Project 1984 Work Authorization granted to spouses
1988 Hiring of counseling services for families (FCS)
1985 First Spouse Orientation Program 1981 Launch of the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
1992 Launch of the Family Career Transition Center
1991 Partial benefits for divorced spouses
1972–1983 WIVES
Women’s Information and Volunteer Services
1983–2002 WBVS
World Bank Volunteer Services
2002–Present WBFN
World Bank Family Network
Advocate Welcome Career Support
2002 Creation of Barry McIsaac Emergency Fund for members facing domestic abuse
2012 Launch of first Local Chapter in Nairobi, Kenya 2012 Launch of Career and Volunteering program (Professional Development Program)
2002 First Small Business and Consultants Forum 2004 First video conference with families in six Country Offices
1997 Neighborhood Network
2001 Domestic Abuse brochures in all restrooms
1999 Membership open to domestic partners
Giving Back Global Community Activities/Programs
2010 First presentation at the Families in Global Transition (FIGT) conference
2007 No-fee Bank contracts granted for key WBFN volunteers who require remote intranet access
2017 Career Lab 2013 Launch of Youth Programs on Third Culture Kids awareness
2005 First Teen Summer Program 2007 Spouse Career Symposium, with IMF and IADB family associations
2015 Spouse employment included in Memorandum of Understanding between WBG HR and UNDP for talent sourcing
2011 “Best Spousal Support Program� award by the Forum for Expatriate Management
THE BEGINNING1968 “Wives helping wives” became a reality In 1968, the WBG was expanding, with new families arriving at a rate of fifty per month. These families faced difficulties with language and culture, and they struggled with the practicalities of living in a new environment. All too often spouses faced these challenges alone while their husbands traveled overseas on mission. A few women with a will, a vision and courage entered the picture: they recognized a need and pushed for a solution. In January 1972, they wrote a letter to then President Robert McNamara, who sent his positive response a week later, and WIVES (Women’s Information and Volunteer Services) was born. WIVES gained an office, and a budget of $2,000. The response was overwhelming. Within weeks, over 300 women volunteered with the newly founded organization.
1972–2017 a vision
TODAY2017 A male spouse will be WBFN President for the first time Our organization has changed significantly since 1972. Our name, our services, and the gender balance of our members have all evolved in response to the changing roles of women in society, especially in the workplace. Our mandate, however, remains as relevant as ever: to welcome, support and advocate.
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1972–2017 guidance information community
WELCOMING2017 Our Welcoming Team at HQ reaches out to spouses and partners • Welcoming email—sent to registered members* before they arrive in DC. • Welcoming Handbook—forty pages of vital information for the move to DC. • Monthly coffee morning—a two-hour presentation on the local requirements for documents, housing, schools, job-seeking, and more. • Spouse Orientation Program—a full-day presentation offered four times a year by WBFN and WBG staff covering topics such as WBG ethics, GSD services, HR benefits and health insurance. • Get-together—organized each month for continued community building. If a spouse/partner does not yet have a driving license, car pools will be arranged. • WhatsApp— new members get instant information from each other and long-standing members.
All the activities and the WBFN office itself are child-friendly. *Privacy rules mean that we cannot contact the spouse directly to invite them to become members, but must wait for the new staff member to initiate the connection. In 30% of cases, we are not able to establish contact in time for the relocation.
6367 registered WBFN members to date 29%
All members
71%
44%
FY16
56%
DID
Status
77%
G4 dependents
15%
US citizens
Education
14% PhD
5% Permanent Residents
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52% Masters
THEN TO NOW
Career
79%
44%
Working before relocating
Currently working
Identifying trends and finding solutions It was only in 1984 that work permits became available to spouses, thanks to WBFN’s strong advocacy. Since then, WBFN member demographics have changed significantly: the male to female ratio has increased, and the great majority of our members comprise dual-career families. WBFN identifies the trends and adapts its programs to meet new challenges, like the WBFN’s basic support for job seekers that has developed into a full-fledged career advisory program.
1972–2017 career skills support
PDP2017 Professional Development Program ESSENTIAL support with four modules run by a career specialist, covering every aspect of relocating your career: authorization, certification, the accomplishment library, skills assessment, the resume, networking, the interview, local job demographics. EXTENDED support with four additional peer-run modules; LinkedIn; project management; independent consulting; entrepreneurship; Professional Interest Groups (support groups by career field)
Professional Support (Number of sessions and attendees/program)
Jump Start Your Job Search
5
500
Jump Start Career Network
4
200
Thematic Sessions(Skill Building)
8
180
Introduction to PDP
5
145
4 Job search skill building workshops
Peer learning
Continuing professional development
Learn of job & volunteer opportunities
Professional Groups 140
7 areas of specialization
160
Achievements
36% Took steps to achieve careers goals
24% Got a job
Local Chapters 2017
THEN TO NOW Broadening our horizons The Family Network has strengthened support for our families worldwide. From the Overseas Briefing in the 1980s to today’s Worldwide Program, we have established a strong network of local chapters and expanded our services globally.
1972–2017 relocation network connect
Direct support to member
Pilot project in 3 select CO locations; surveying family and career support needs; adjusting and developing support and outreach Support
Strengthening global WBFN community Drives for new member-
ships, and updating of membership information Contributions to WBFN global media and events; campaigning to create awareness about the program in HQ and CO WBFN Champion Facebook group; online meetings for Champions
Program Development
Strengthening local WBFN communities
Recruiting, training and guidance of WBFN champions in COs Facilitating contact between members and champions, incl. providing membership lists Liaison between CO management, CO support staff, and Champions Local chapter social media groups
WORLDWIDE PROGRAM2017
Facilitation of contact between member and champion WBFN Bridge weekly email, promoting WBFN and WBG resources and news Online seminars on topics like transition and portable careers Direct support to member from Worldwide team in HQ, and peer support in COs
1972–2017 Volunteering
Robert McNamara—WBG President (1968 – 1981) Margaret McNamara—Honorary President (1972 – 1981) Ruth Isbister (1972 – 1974) The Founding Committee (1968 – 1972)
Barber Conable—WBG President (1 Charlotte Conable—Honorary Pres
Paula Jeffries (1978 – 1981)
Ruksana Mehta (1988 – 1991)
Ruby Wingate (1974 – 1977)
Miliza Wright (1977 – 1978)
Miliza Wright (1981 – 1982)
Anne Dickerson (1985 – 1988)
Carla Peperzak (1983 – 1985) Alden W Clausen—WBG President (1981 – 1986) Peggy Clausen—Honorary President (1981 – 1986)
Caroline Bern (1991 – 1994
Lewis T—WBG Patsy Preston—
Recognizing the work of the many volunteers who have served as Honorary President, President, on the Executive Committee as well as worked with the myriad of activities WBFN offers for the well-being of its members
1986 – 1991) sident (1986 – 1991)
ney 4)
Jim Yong Kim—WBG President (2012-)
Hada Zaidan (1996 – 1999)
Chantale Holzmann (2002 – 2003)
Gilda Dadush (2006 – 2007)
Rosa Lia Troch (2004 – 2005)
Kathy Doyen (1994 – 1996)
Barry McIsaac (1999 – 2001)
Lois Khairallah (2003 – 2004)
Elizabeth Medina-Tata (2001 – 2002)
President (1991 – 1995) —Honorary President (1992 – 1995) James D. Wolfensohn—WBG President (1995 – 2005) Elaine Wolfensohn—Honorary President (1995 – 2005)
Maaike le Grand (2010 – 2011)
Rula Ghani (2008 – 2009)
Shaheen Khan Silvia Kirova (2014 – 2015)
Hada Zaidan Sandipa Thapa Basnyat (2012 – 2013)
Gulira Alieva Loubna Djemame (2016 – 2017)
Chantale Holzmann (2007 – 2008)
Annemarie Shaheen Khan Brink-Olsen Aisha Al Bader (2011 – 2012) (2015 – 2016) Kristina Jensen Anne Folliet Shalu Nariani* (2005 – 2006) (2009 – 2010) Shaheen Khan El Batoule Alaoui (2013 – 2014) Paul Wolfowitz—WBG President (2005 – 2007) Robert B. Zoellick—WBG President (2007 – 2012) *Shalu Nariani served as PO from July – September 2013; she stepped down due to family reasons
1972–2017 essentials
LEARNING2017 Sharing information and providing language skills Relocating spouses and partners need information, some of it very complex, and language skills. We address these needs with classes and seminars, and have begun to keep a closed electronic library on YouTube for our members in country offices.
English • 3 levels of English classes • Business English classes
Information Seminars • Electronic library on YouTube • Work Authorization for Spouses/Partners with G-4 Visas • Pension Plan Seminar • US Estate Planning & Taxation • Visa Options for G4 Dependents • Foreign Investment Real Property Act Seminar • Tax Matters to Consider before Getting a Green Card • US Income Tax Seminar for G4 Visa Holders
1972–2017 development bonding fun
KIDS@WBFN2017 Youth Program Youth Program: a series of workshops for children of staff to explore aspects of their global background, such as adaptability, openness, ties to different cultures, and how these contribute to a sense of identity. Teen Summer Program Teen Summer Program: hands-on 3 week program in June–July, run by the WBG, IDB and IMF, for teenage children of staff to learn about aspects of poverty and development, how the institutions function, putting together a project, and much more. Presentations and mock projects over three weeks are given by staff. Children’s Holiday Party Children’s Holiday Party: This is the only festive event to embrace staff and their children together. In December 2016, there were 943 guests, half of which were children.
1972–2017 friendship culture sharing
COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES Some have been part of the WBFN since its founding These are available for newcomers and established members, and help to keep our community strong by making social networks easily available for globally mobile members: • The Investment Club • Parents and Tots for MD, VA and DC • Spanish, French, and German conversation groups • English, American and African book groups • The MahJong Group • The Fishing Club • The International Cultural Group • The International Cuisine Group • Movie GetTogether • Annual Picnic • The Fiber Arts Group—quilts and other crafts produced have been donated to fundraisers in the local communities
New initiatives are always welcome!
1972–2017 giving back
Education starts with books‌
THE BOOK PROJECT The first shipment of 750 new and used textbooks went out in 1983 to Lagos, Nigeria. In FY17, over 70,000 books went out to 9 countries. In total, the Book Project has sent over 3 million books to more than 100 countries in the last 30 years. Volunteers contribute an average of 5000 hours each year to solicit donations of used and surplus textbooks and library books, find bargain priced atlases and dictionaries, and sort and pack, all to assist the education of children in developing countries.
‌and educate a girl and you are educating an entire village!
MARGARET MCNAMARA EDUCATION GRANTS (MMEG) Since 1983, MMEG* has awarded education grants to 351 women from over 75 developing countries. Successful recipients are doctors, activists, scientists, teachers and other professionals working in fields benefitting the well-being of women and children. Initially, recipients studied only in the US and Canada, while today MMEG has not only expanded to include universities in South Africa and Latin America but has also reached out to women in the DC area via Washington Trinity University. Volunteers contribute an average of 6200 hours each year to serve on the board of directors, regional selection committees, organize the annual fair and other fundraising events. *Formerly known as Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF)
1972–2017 WBFN Partners
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Over the past 45 years, the Family Network has partnered with many departments at the World Bank, and...
Health Service Department (HSD) Domestic Abuse Prevention Program Field Health Occupational Health Staff Association 1818 Society Budget, Performance Review and Strategic Planning (BPS) WBG External and Corporate Relations (ECR) Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Pension Administration Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS)
Human Resources Department (HRD) Operations Shared Services Talent Acquisition Career Management Compensation & Benefits Diversity & Inclusion Learning & Development General Service Department (GSD) Support Services Multimedia Security Food and Conference Services Printing
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...reached out to many sister organizations to exchange ideas, collaborate, and build a better community of expat spouses and partners.
IDBFA – International Development Bank Family Association IMFFA – International Monetary Fund Family Association UNLESA – UN Local Expat Spouses Association UNWG – United Nations Women’s Guild FIGT – Families in Global Transition FEM – Forum for Expatriate Management ICBW – Independent Consultants for a Better World Permits Foundation Foreign Service Institute, US Department of State UNDP – United Nations Development Programme Habitat for Humanity And a special mention to the Bank-Fund Staff Federal Credit Union (BFSFCU) for their sustained support, advice, seminars, and donations.
COMMUNICATION2017 Staying connected in real time • Website • E-mails • Local and worldwide Facebook pages • @-a-glance newsletter • Linkedin • WhatsApp • YouTube
From occasional articles and notices in the staff Bank Notes to decades of printed newsletters, WBFN now has fully embraced social media and other digital communication tools to keep our members informed and connected.
The Family Network recognizes the WBG for making possible our work to support the families of staff
World Bank Family Network WBFN Mailing Address 1818 H Street NW, MSN J2-202 Washington, DC 20433 WBFN Office Location 701 18th Street, NW, Room J2-030 Washington DC, 20006 www.wbfn.org familynetwork@worldbank.org 202-473-8751