WBFN? Who? What? How? Where? When?

All the questions you always wanted to ask—or that you should have asked—may be answered this month. It may take a very little effort on your part: click on your computer’s keyboard and/or attend our exhibits.

Our website front page on the cover of Mosaic is an open invitation for you to discover the wealth of information and resources that it treasures. Henry’s article in this issue will lead you through different icons and paths to dig, unravel and connect. I take the opportunity to thank again all the talented volunteers who made and make this possible, who design, “feed” and continuously update this internet tool. This is far from a “finished product”: we are always trying to improve our ways to get you the information and the support that you need. In the near future, we may rely on new added internet tools, having especially in mind those of you in country offices. (Be sure to keep reading faithfully your Mosaic to stay informed of new developments!)

During this month, if you are in or pass through the Washington area, you will be presented with another opportunity to learn more in depth what WBFN is about and how we can be of help to you in particular: the WBFN Annual Exhibits will take place in the MC Atrium for three days, April 12, 13 and 14. Come and meet with our teams of volunteers! They will introduce you to the various facets of WBFN’s reach and achievements. They also embody the genuine and spontaneous reality of WBFN, its diversity, its empathy and its concern for other spouses/partners.

WBFN continues to be an active component of the WBG community: the collaboration with other WBG units (Global Mobility, HR Service Center, HSD, Legal, Ethics…) is ongoing daily on all issues relevant to the families. This year, a new relationship with the WBG Art Curators and with the Smithsonian Museum has led to a new great event: the Family Arts and Science Festival on April 17 in the MC Atrium. The awards ceremony for the participants in the Art Contest (Theme: “Germs”!) will be accompanied by lab experiments, arts workshops and many other wonderful surprises. An afternoon not to be missed!

Recently some WBFN and Global Mobility representatives attended the three-day 12th Annual International Conference of Families in Global Transition (FIGT), trying to understand different aspects of relocation and learn about new approaches to helping families settle in a culturally new environment. We made a presentation about the unique synergy existing at the WBG between a volunteer organization (WBFN) and a staff unit (Global Mobility), and even more broadly between a family association and its organization (WBG).The interest, questions and comments that arose from our presentation comforted us that we were on a right path. We know, though, that it is only “a path”. We are always looking ahead for new ways to reach out better. So: stay in touch or come aboard—even through e-mail—to help us.

If you still wonder about WBFN, have a specific question or a particular request, please contact us directly. That’s what we are here for: to help other spouses and partners of WBG staff feel the “back-up” of a strong support network!

Anne Folliet