Special Announcement

From the Presidents' Desk

 

We have been thinking about the progress of three Family Network members as they set out to build a community in a new place.  The accompanying partner of a Young Professional couple, a mid-career family and a newly retired couple knew their physical move.  The couple was moving from their home terrain to a Country Office in a major city.  The family was moving from one Country Office to a new post in a new Region. The newly retired couple was moving to a warmer climate in a new Country.  The unknown factor was the experience of moving from a built community to building a community anew.  Tools to Move, is an initiative of the WBFN offering “strategies and tips for navigating the relocation experience, with particular attention to the accompanying partner’s experience”.  Our ‘Couple’ member envisions needing a new community in an urban space with an active career network and friend groups interested in sports and cultural activities. Our ‘Family’ member is focused on the family’s shift to a new culture, and envisions language support, schools and healthcare referrals, and social connections that help establish the family’s wellbeing within a new community.  Our ‘Retiree’ member wants to be part of an active multicultural community that values fitness, charitable and social activities.  In each case, Tools To Move offers our members resources to navigate through the experience of change towards positive outcomes.

 

WBFN’s network of Regional and Local Connectors are terrific primary resources for building a new community. With our 80 chapters worldwide, Regional and Local Connectors are ready to welcome you, connecting you with area chapters, community networks and support systems.  Where are you on your journey to build a community? We would love to hear from you regarding our WBFN community support systems that empower our members… spouses, partners, families, and retirees … wherever you are, whenever you wish to connect.

 

Ritu and Ajay Banga extend an invitation to all World Bank children to participate in the Livable Planet Children’s Art Prize connecting WB families across the globe, bringing our communities closer together around a shared mission.  We appreciate Ritu Banga as the Honorary President of WB Family Network, and we are particularly excited that the new art contest is offered in collaboration with the Art Program and the WB Family Network.  We encourage your children to participate!  Art submissions are due March 8th. For information on the contest theme “Livable Planet”, submission guidelines, and eligibility, please click here

 

WBFN is also sponsoring the Mosaic Project!  Pattern submissions for this project have recently closed, and we are now welcoming volunteers in the DC area to register for the Mosaic workshop. Please see details here

 

We are only a few days away from our International Potluck, a celebration of diversity, culture, and delicious food! Join us on March 7 from 12 to 2 pm at the WBFN office. Please bring a savory dish or dessert to share, and feel free to dress in your cultural attire to add flair to the festivities.

 

With warmer days ahead of us, mark your calendar for another fun social event - SPRING PICNIC - on Saturday, April 20! More details to come.

Mary and Hely