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 missions.
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 the then President, Mr. 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.
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, and the changing needs of our members. Our mandate, however, remains as relevant as ever: to welcome, support and advocate on behalf of WBG families worldwide
In 1981, the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund was born. Margaret McNamara contributed significantly to the establishment and growth of WIVES. Upon her premature death, two WIVES members honored her memory with the creation of a grants program for women from developing countries to help further their education and strengthen their leadership skills.
In 1982 the WIVES Book Project was established. The project mobilizes volunteers who collect books in the DC Metro area and sends them to needy institutions in developing countries.
In 1991, the first Memorandum of Understanding between the World Bank’s HR VP and the President of WBVS was signed. It defined basic issues such as insurance coverage, areas of responsibility and financial coverage from the Bank and marked a milestone of recognition for WBVS from Bank Management.
In 2004, a second Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the WBFN, and the Bank’s HR VP. This memorable event marked the continuing understanding between the World Bank and WBFN. It acknowledged the work done by WBFN volunteers in helping, supporting and assisting World Bank Group spouses and families. It recognized the importance of the activities and programs of WBFN for the general welfare of the WBG and its staff. The WBG released a Communiqué about the MoU.
President McNamra answer to the WIVES letter
Second Memorandum of Understanding
Memorandum Of Understanding Between
The World Bank and World Bank Family Network
- The World Bank Family Network (WBFN) is a volunteer organization dedicated to providing assistance to the spouses/partners and families of World Bank Group (WBG) staff members. The services that WBFN provides include assistance to families on relocation to Washington, briefings for the families of staff going on field assignments, career and transition support for spouses / partners on employment opportunities, sponsorship of educational and social events, and acting as a voice within the Bank for the rights of WBG family members.
- In recognition of the importance of these activities to the general welfare of the WBG and its staff, the World Bank (WB) has provided and will continue to provide WBFN with adequate office space and computing/IT support for its services. It will continue to provide budgetary support to fund the administrative requirements of WBFN, which include one full time WB staff member (WBFN Coordinator), two full-time assistants and occasional consultants (e.g., accounting, IT support, event planning).
- In addition, the WB provides budgetary support (an agreed percentage of which is deposited in cash to the WBFN Bank account) to fund activities organized by WBFN volunteers. The necessary signature authority will be delegated to one or more WBFN officers and/or the WBFN Coordinator to expend the funds on behalf of WBFN activities.
- The WB will cover the costs, or provide funds to WBFN to cover the costs, of services that have historically been covered by HR and other WB departments in the past. It is agreed that funds for WBFN costs should continue to be added to the WBFN budget as they are identified or the costs should continue to be covered by the department that has historically done so.
- The services of the Family Consultation Service (FCS) will continue to be funded by the WB. It is understood that this confidential counseling service for WBG families should continue under the supervision of the WBFN,
- It is understood that from time to time WBFN may supplement the operating funds provided by the WB with fees charged by WBFN to defray the cost of its various activities or by other fund raising activities. It is further understood that WBFN is responsible for any federal and local taxes that may be levied on their activities.
- The WB presently covers under its insurance policies the activities ofWBFN and its volunteers while working within the scope of WBFN's activities. Such insurance coverage will be reviewed periodically by the WB and WBFN to ascertain whether it is adequate in the light of any changes in WBFN's activities and realities of insurance requirements of such activity. The WB undertakes to provide WBFN with notice of any changes that would materially affect the coverage of WBFN's activities.
- WBFN shall submit a written annual report to the Vice President of HR Services describing its activities for the year and shall account annually for WBFN usage of any funds provided by the WB.
- In acknowledgement of the foregoing understanding the parties have executed this Memorandum of Understanding on this 3rd day of December, 2004.
