Soon, we’ll enter into a new year: “2010”. The number sounds futuristic, but it also sounds like a date for “new beginnings!”

As always, WBFN takes the month of December to wish the best to our members in the coming year: health, happiness and family joy! We extend those wishes to all our members, including those whom we cannot reach, since we do not have their name, e-mail or correct mailing address.

At this time of year we also look back to see the accomplished path, and we look forward with plenty of ideas, projects and good resolutions for the year to come! Which brings me to tell you about one “double goal” for WBFN in 2010: Improve our communication and extend our reach. The spouse or partner who does not know about us may be the most in need of help and support.

By the way: Maybe you can help us “help others” by spreading the information about WBFN’s existence and purpose! We want to be in touch with everyone. We especially need help in reaching our members abroad. Kindly tell other spouses in your Country Office about Mosaic and MOSAICplus, about our website and our programs online. Explain to other WBG spouses about our willingness to reinforce the support network around all the Bank’s families. WBFN‘s lines of work are as varied as the issues confronted: welcoming, informing, helping spouses with career transitions and relocation as a whole, not to mention advocating on the main issues faced by our evolving membership.

WBFN has existed since 1972. It has been known by different successive names: WIVES, WBVS and now WBFN. It has evolved with its members and their changing needs and demographics. For WBFN: no revolution is in sight! We keep going on strong and are only trying to follow on the ideas and activities of team after team before us, just adapting, modifying, and adding when we believe the change could be of better help for our members. Look, for example, at our so actively involved group of “male spouses.” Each week, they find new ways not only to shoulder each other but also to contribute to the larger scope of the WBFN community.

The World Bank Group has always been very supportive of WBFN, and through us of the spouses and partners of its staff. Understanding our advocacy plea, for example, the WBG created some years ago a new structure within HR, geared towards helping spouses and partners with relocation or career issues: Global Mobility. Every year, the WBG President thanks WBFN for its involvement with the Bank’s families and for the accomplishments of its outreach programs (the MMMF and the Book Project). Last May, President Zoellick sent a message to WBFN at our Annual Dinner stating that “All the members of the Family Network play a special role in supporting the World Bank Group. Your work is important to the Bank Group. And it’s important to me.”

In 2010, WBFN will relay this message to people who may not have heard it. It may help convince people of “how serious, effective and reliable” we are, and of “how dedicated and stubborn” we’ll go on being! 2010 will find us determined as always to reinforce the support network around and for our members.

…And before 2010 begins: Do enjoy December 2009 and get the most out of it!

Anne Folliet