The SOP—How it started...

The Spouse Orientaion Program (SOP) got started five years ago, thanks to the ceaseless efforts of Rosa Lia Troch, a long time WBFN member. She noticed that many newcomers ask the same questions early on regarding their legal status and their finances. Thanks to her advocacy and the invaluable help of WBG staff members, especially Lee Grassley, Reet Jukkum and Kathy Fisburne, WBFN now offers a program for spouses that is a shortened version of the 4-day Staff Orientation for new employees of the WBG. The SOP is offered five times per year and, surprisingly, is as useful to the very recent newcomers as to those who have been in the area for several years. As one member recently confessed, “I have been in DC for six years and made many mistakes. I wished I’d had this program upon arrival.”

SOP—A one day information packed seminar!

Relocation always entails a lot of change, and possible stress. One thing especially important to keep in mind is that the U.S. has many laws that apply not only to the couple, but also to the kids. These laws can differ hugely from those in the ‘home country’, and they apply as soon as one lives in the U.S. Thus, the SOP offers a 1-day information session not only on WBG services and benefits, but also on laws, financial literacy, family issues, security, and visa implications.

Experienced speakers deliver what you want

So, who comes to the SOP to speak about what? Usually, Jyoti Chitale (WBFN SOP Coordinator) and Rula Ghani (WBFN President) start the day with a short introduction of various useful programs of the volunteer organization of WBFN, your home away from home. They are followed various other experienced speakers as you will learn in the following paragraphs.

Important numbers to note from DA/HUB

Elizabeth Legrain, the WBG Domestic Abuse Prevention Coordinator working in HRSCO (Tel: 202 473 2931, ELegrain@worldbank.org) explains her job as follows: “The power dynamic in a relation can change during relocation. You might have been a medical doctor in your home country, then find that you cannot work in the U.S., and get into a different power balance with your spouse/partner. It is advisable to get help before things spiral out of control. Abuse is not limited to physical abuse; abuse can be financial and emotional. Unfortunately, any of these can happen, and it is important to know that such behaviors are against U.S. law.” Elizabeth then proceeds to give the phone numbers members can call, 24/7, and they can ask for someone who speaks their language. The HUB number is published in every Mosaic and on the WBFN website.

Establish your own accounts—Credit Union tells you how

Then, the Credit Union gives a short explanation of their services, and we cannot stress enough how important it is that both spouses/partners establish their own accounts, and thus build their own credit history. A useful tip is to always forward the travel plans of the staff member to the Credit Union (creditcards@bfsfcu.org) to avoid getting one’s cards blocked. Done automatically when a purchase seems suspect, it is most unwelcome when the staff is traveling overseas and depends on the credit card for hotel and travel expenses.

All your visa queries answered by Bill Silverman

One of the most appreciated talks is given by Bill Silverman from the HR Service Center. He starts by explaining that you should never rely on what your colleague has said about visa status, because it depends on a lot of different factors: your nationality, your contract type, etc. He talks about common misperceptions, for example: a G-4 status never gives diplomatic immunity from criminal offenses. It is NOT the staff who decides about the visa for his/her spouse/partner, or who can revoke it. That is the sole authority of the U.S. State Department. For children, it is especially essential to be knowledgeable about the various rules that apply. For example, at age 25, they are no longer considered dependents of the staff, except in special cases, and thus lose visa status. What many spouses do not immediately grasp is that they lose their visa status the moment the staff ends his work at the WBG, be it death, retirement or other reasons. They are then left with a 60 days grace period to leave the country. You are not allowed to work in the U.S. when you have no legal status. Another tricky subject is the work permit for spouses. There are staff members who, for cultural reasons or because they like their power, refuse to cooperate to let their spouse work. Bill explains all the nitty-gritty in a quickly filled 40 minutes talk, and often many questions pop up. Fortunately, the HR Services Center has a walk-in hour for questions—such as how to get a drivers’ license or a work permit!

Cherilynn Bennett (HSD) tackles health issues

Another hefty subject is medical insurance. What medical insurance program is the best to choose? What if I have a family with small kids? What if I am a thirty something in good health with no kids? What is a deductible? And oh boy, what happens if I forget to tell them upon arrival that I am pregnant? What if I forget to report within 31 days about a life event that happens in our family like marriage, divorce, birth and death? If we do not listen to this 31-day ticking clock, do we lose coverage? Can I insure my parents when they live in my home? ...What does the pension plan include for our family? You will understand—too many questions to address in such a short space. But, very important issues to address, especially in the U.S. where a not-covered illness or prolonged stay in hospital can mean a hefty financial loss or even bankruptcy! Answers can be found on the Bank intranet or at the Benefits unit (Room G2-132, Tel 202-473-2222, email:hrservicecenter@worldbank.org).

Health-related topics are also presented by Cherilynn Bennett of the Health Services Department. HSD offers interesting programs which can enhance your health and prevent ailments.

Global Mobility gives valuable tips to newcomers

The Global Mobility representatives present their services that are specially tailored to the needs of newcomers—help with job search, resume writing, search for a house or a school, support of parents, etc.

Other intersting presentations are an overview of the history of the WBG, and an explanation of the full picture of the activities of the Bank.

Let us hope no Bank staffer rented out his or her home for outrageous prices during the inauguration in January and then starts bragging about his financial prowess in the Washington Post. This would most certainly reflect very poorly on the Bank. You are confronted with some interesting ethical questions. What we can do and what not. A representative from the Ethics unit is there at the SOP to inform you on what is permissable for Bank staff and what is not.

Update your information

Rules and regulations change. That’s why it is useful to check regularly. Calamities and emergencies do happen. But when you are prepared, have your important documents in order and in an easy-to-find place this could save you a lot of additional trouble. Check if it is wise to buy a house, instead of renting. G4 visa holders do not at all have the same rights as American citizens when it comes to property like a house. Take into account that you have to leave the country within 60 days after the end of the staff’s contract. Know that you run the risk of jeopardizing the staff’s contract when you start working without a work permit. Be aware of the importance of a will, certified by an American notary, especially when you have young kids. If you did not make legal arrangements in the U.S. concerning the custody of your children, or of your property, U.S. law will apply, even if this means that your children will go to a foster home instead of to your sister in your home country. It is not difficult to make a will. You can download the forms from sites such as www.staples.com and have it notarized at the Credit Union.

WBFN is always there for you

Spend some time to clean your desk, put some order into important papers. And never be ashamed to ask a question. No question is ever silly. Attend the next SOP, Get-together announceed in the Mosaic or visit the WBFN office and ask your questions. Be prepared! And enjoy life much more once you have done that! Last but not least, take advantage of the excellent financial literacy courses offered by WBFN. It gives you so much more self-confidence when you know how to plan ahead for more difficult times. But that is part of another program. Tackle your items one at a time, and know that WBFN can always try to find someone to help you with your specific questions.

Maaike le Grand