Your support can make a world of difference for children www.WorldForumFoundation.org
What if you could help children everywhere... ...no matter where they live... benefit from the latest early childhood research and teaching strategies?
What if you could help early childhood professionals worldwide... ...some working under the most difficult circumstances... become part of a supportive community...and know they are not alone?
You can! Your gift to the World Forum Foundation will make a world of difference. Here’s how...
The World Forum Foundation
promotes an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings. This mission is accomplished through convening gatherings of early childhood professionals around the world and by promoting the continuing exchange of ideas among participants.
The World Forum Foundation is the organizer of these life-changing initiatives:
World Forums on Early Care and Education
Biennial events gather together over 800 early childhood professionals together from 80 nations.
Working Groups
Groups meet at and between World Forums to address specific issues impacting young children and to carry out action-oriented projects.
Global Leaders for Young Children
Emerging leaders throughout the world are trained and mentored to become advocates for young children. Each leader is supported in carrying out an actionoriented project in his or her country.
WoFo Online
This new online platform connects World Forum attendees between events, helps Working Groups and Global Leaders connect more efficiently, and shares the latest early childhood research and resources with the World Forum community in a timely and supportive way. Learn more about each initiative on the following pages...
World Forum on Early Care and Education These impactful biennial events bring together up to 1,000 early childhood leaders from 80 nations to share ideas on a wide range of issues affecting children and families. World Forum in-person events engage the hearts and minds of early childhood professionals in authentic, creative, and democratic ways. These empowering global gatherings create communities of welcome, celebration, and trust where each person’s contribution is valued and respected.
WORLD FORUM ON EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION 2014 2011 2009 2007 2005 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
San Juan, Puerto Rico Honolulu, Hawaii Belfast, Ireland Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Montreal, Canada Acapulco, Mexico Auckland, New Zealand Athens, Greece Singapore Honolulu, Hawaii
“As a philanthropist, I was awed during my first experience in 2009 by the raw and
honest dialogue that pervaded each session. The depth of information and on-going relationships have informed both my national and international work over the past three years. The platform for debate, discussion, idea creation, and global collaboration is unlike any other network I have experienced. I am committed to the on-going work of the World Forum, both with my personal time and resources, because of their commitment to give equal platform to all voices who care for and work on behalf of our world’s children.” –Leslie Falconer, Alabaster Fund Michigan, United States
Working Groups The following interest-focused groups bring together people from around the world who work on action-oriented projects to address some of the most pressing issues affecting young children. Nature Action Collaborative for Children is implementing the World Forum’s commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative to connect two million children with nature in 25 countries. HIV/AIDS Action Tank: Voices of Hope for Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS brings together leaders of programs serving young children impacted by HIV/AIDS to promote a sharing of ideas and resources. Working Group on Curriculum is leading a global discussion on universal elements of an early childhood curriculum. Working Group on World Play unites advocates to promote play as the best way to facilitate healthy child development. Indigenous People’s Action Group connects early childhood leaders in Indigenous communities to foster the preservation and promotion of Indigenous cultures in early childhood settings.
The Working Group for the Rights of Children in Children’s Homes works to make all countries ready to provide children the best care if their fate is to lose their families and be placed in a group care setting. Global Collaborative OnDesign for Children unites early childhood planners and designers around the belief that all work on environments should be approached through the lens of valuing the image of the child as capable and miraculous. Multi-Site Organizations promotes connections among early childhood organizations that operate in multiple locations to share ideas, challenges, and strategies. International Working Group on Peace Building with Young Children brings people together with an interest in building networks of knowledge, support, and advocacy for early childhood practice and policies in regions experiencing or emerging from armed conflict.
“I feel the same as when I am playing ‘Ring around the Rosie’ and I extend my
hand inviting others to join our fun. The world goes round and round and we educators can make a difference when we hold hands, know each other, respecting our rhythms and learning from each other.” –Magela Guimaaraes, Uruguay
Working Group on Men in Early Childhood Education brings together male and female caregivers globally to promote the value of gender balance in early childhood settings. Working Group on Children’s Rights stimulates discussions around the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child globally. Working Group on Including Children with Special Needs promotes the belief that a mentally or physically disabled child should enjoy a full life in conditions that ensure dignity, promote self-reliance, and facilitate active participation in the community. Teacher Educators Network brings together teacher educators from around the world to explore strategies and principles for educating the early childhood workforce worldwide.
Global Leaders Global Leaders for Young Children is creating the next generation of advocates for young children. Since Joan Lombardi, formerly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Department of Children and Families, launched Global Leaders in 2004, nearly 200 emerging leaders from 60 nations have participated in this training/mentoring project, and more are added every year. Participants carry out actionoriented projects in their own countries, and the results of these have been astounding. Long-lasting networks of support form between participants and grow stronger whenever a new leader joins the effort.
“Participation as a Global Leader offered a venue where I was able to develop relationships that expanded my world perspective
and I gained multidisciplinary support that strengthened my own abilities to advocate for early childhood issues. The leadership and advocacy training I received continues to challenge me to strengthen the collective voice that speaks on behalf of young children across the globe.”
–Tina Reeble, United States 2012 Global Leader Participant
WoFo Online
Changing Each Other to Change the World The primary goal of WoFo Online is to connect early childhood professionals worldwide on a daily basis in order to deepen their connections and to share their ideas and perspectives. The World Forum Foundation believes that if people from diverse conditions and cultures get to know each other deeply and learn to appreciate each others’ views on the world and on caring for children, each of them will have their perspectives broadened and their lives enriched. This in turn will mean that the lives of all the children these people touch will be enriched as well. This platform allows for daily connections between participants, and provides updates on the latest research and resources for early childhood professionals. Working Groups and Global Leaders can also connect to support on-going action work on impactful projects.
www.WorldForumFoundation.org
Your support will help bring these transformational changes to children and educators.
The World Forum Foundation is implementing major initiatives through a small, dedicated staff, a powerful network of 600 volunteers in over 80 countries, and generous donors like you. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to:
World Forum Foundation | 17225 NE 65th Street, B-275 | Redmond, WA 98052
Thank you so much for joining with us in this life-enhancing work. www.WorldForumFoundation.org | 206-673-2608 |
[email protected] World Forum Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit State of Washington corporation with tax exempt ID #20-0340368.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Gandhi
www.WorldForumFoundation.org