Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming Welcoming

The Family Network offers a series of programs and information sessions designed to ensure that newcomers, as well as members who have lived in the Washington DC metro for any length of time, get the most up-to-date information about the area, their rights and get many opportunities to meet new friends or have opportunities to meet old friends. Although, some of our programs are more targeted to newcomers we are delighted to welcome anyone who wishes to join.

1-Welcome

Welcoming Coffee and Information Session

Come attend this informal gathering where WBFN members provide information and useful tips on obtaining a driver’s license, healthcare, childcare, cell phones and other practical issues…with plenty of time for questions and discussion. Children are welcome.

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Offered generally the first Tuesday of every month, the next sessions are:
Date: February 2 & March 2
Time: 10:00am–12:00noon
Venue: World Bank H Building
600 19th St NW, Room H5-290
To attend: Call or email the WBFN Office at 202-473-8751, familynetwork@worldbank.org

Buddy System

The Buddy System

What is a buddy?
Buddies are a group of volunteers who work with the Neighborhood Network in welcoming newcomers to the Washington area. Buddies and newcomers are matched up according to zip code, language or some other common link. The system aims to provide a gateway for newcomers to access other networks and sources of information within their neighborhood or particular expatriate group.

What does being a buddy involve?
Buddies are not required to come into the WBFN office, attend any meetings or make a regular time commitment. If you are matched with a newcomer, the Buddy Coordinator for your area will call you and ask if you are free to call a particular newcomer.

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How to reach us:
If you need a buddy or want to be a buddy to newcomers, contact us at: wbfnwelcoming@worldbank.org or contact the buddy coordinator.

Male Spouse Coordinator

Male Spouse Coordinator

The WBFN's male spouse coordinator is always ready for a chat and to give advice on living and working in DC area..

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Contact the coordinator

Welcoming Coffee

Spouse/Partner Orientation Program

Did you know that as a spouse or partner you are eligible to attend an orientation program?
This program is a short version of the orientation given to new WBG staff. Presentations are by Bank staff and by WBFN volunteers. Prerequisite: be registered with WBFN.

Whether you have recently joined the Bank or have been here several years, you can attend this one-day orientation.

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Offered five times a year, the next program is:
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Time: 9:30am–3:00pm
Venue: 3rd Floor, G Building
1776 G St., NW
Room 3-080
Register early. The deadline to register is March 11.

INtroduction to the Family Network

Intro to WBFN

Fun & Rewarding!! Come and learn more about WBFN activities. Meet the teams and others in our community. You never know when or how you will land a job, find a babysitter or a new passion in life!

Some of you are new in the area, others have been here for quite some time. Some are looking for jobs, others just for something fun to do, or for networking possibilities.

Find out answers to your questions about living in DC or how you can get more involved. We will present WBFN:

  • Financial Activities
  • The Book Project
  • The Mosaic Team
  • The Quilting Group
  • The International Cuisine Group
  • and more...

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Offered five times a year, the next program is:
Date: TBA
Time: 11:30am–1:15pm
Venue: World Bank H Building
Room H2-200, 600 19th St, NW
Click here to register.
Be sure to bring your Bank photo ID in order to enter the building.

Welcoming Coffee

Surviving Culture Shock—Process of Change

If you have arrived for the first time in the DC area or if you are returning after some time away, this workshop is for you! You will meet other newcomers and hopefully make some friends. The group will be led by professional facilitators. Together we will discuss the challenges that face WBG spouses, including the losses and gains involved, in moving from country to country and in changing cultures. You will learn about the psychological aspects of moving and about the process of change. We hope to have a good lunch together and have some fun!

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Offered three times a year. The next workshop will be:
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Time: 9:30am–3:00pm
Venue: World Bank I Building
1800 I St, NW, Room I1-200
The deadline to register is Feb. 9
Contact WBFN at 202-473-8751 or email familynetwork@worldbank.org

Get-together

Get-Togethers

Make New Friends • Meet old Friends • Just show up!!!
Meet other Bank spouses/partners and family members at these informal gatherings at homes of WBFN members. Held generally twice a month, there is no need to RSVP or to bring anything. Just drop in!!

If you need transportation or further information, please contact the hostess of the get-together or one of following members of the Welcoming Team. We are used to arranging transport from a nearby metro station to the get-together.

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Held generally twice a month, there is no need to RSVP or to bring anything. Just drop in!!

Neighborhood Net

Neighborhood Net

WBFN residents in VA, DC and MD volunteer to provide information to WBG families about their neighborhood schools, shopping and local services. You can meet your Area Coordinator at the WBFN Get-Togethers in your area. The Coordinators’ names and numbers are listed in Mosaic. Feel free to call them with your questions.

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Area Welcoming Coordinators

And more...

And more...

We also suggest you do explore the other activities and programs that WBFN either organizes or facilitates for its members.

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Click here for more details.