There is one moment in the year when any spouse/partner can critically assess the activities and organization of the WBFN as a whole, and can raise issues of concern to a large audience: the Annual Meeting.
If you are a spouse or partner of a WBG staff, the WBFN invites you to the Annual Meeting. (If you are in a country office, you can attend by video-conference.) Our organization exists for one purpose, which is to serve our members. The questions, concerns and problems of the spouse/partners at the WBG drive our organization to be relevant, efficient, and goal-oriented. Of course, you may approach the organization at any time of the year, but if you attend the annual meeting, you will have the opportunity to:
- meet the outgoing and proposed incoming Executive Committee
- vote for its incoming members
- hear a summary of all the last year's activities and programs
- hear about directions for next year's activities and programs
- speak out during the Q&A
- for those in the auditorium, approach EC members individually during the Morning Coffee
In other words, you will have the opportunity to understand the organization as a whole, which may be to your advantage when you request its support. With this knowledge about how we work, you can also become an agent of change by making informed critical observations and/or suggestions.
Over the years our concerns have evolved to keep up with yours. Please consider attending the Annual Meeting so that you can help to keep us relevant and responsive to your needs.
On a different note, there is one moment in the year when all volunteers and staff at the WBFN, and the crucial partners who contribute and work with us, can meet each other and celebrate our joint achievements: the Annual Dinner.
The Annual Dinner is open to any registered member of the WBFN and their spouse/partner (reservations are necessary). The dinner is a social event and is therefore a great opportunity to meet others in a relaxed setting, but just as importantly, it is a way to build and strengthen our community—all its members: spouse/partners, volunteers, WBFN staff, supporting partner organizations, and WBG staff.
We invite you to come and participate in an event which is a testament to the crucial role that the WBFN has in supporting the families of WBG staff. This year, we are celebrating our 45th anniversary, Kristalina Georgieva, WBG Managing Director and CEO, will be our speaker, and we know you will not want to miss a live performance by the incredibly cool WBG staff band, Fragile and Conflicts Sound