|
The idea of forming an organisation to address the
employment and professional development issues faced by
dual-career families of the globally mobile workforce
emerged from a meeting held in New Delhi, India
in December, 2004. The driving question
was: "How can spouses and partners of globally
mobile workers gain more control over
their own careers?"
Throughout 2005, a series of discussions held to determine the interest
in formalising this initiative culminated on December 9 with a town meeting
attended by more than fifty concerned individuals. The idea to move forward
was endorsed and planning became more intensive and focused.
As a result of this planning process, two organisations were established: The Strategic
Links Association (USA) and Strategic Links Trust (India).
The Strategic Links Association, Inc., a US nonprofit educational entity,
was incorporated in July, 2005. It is dedicated to supporting spouses and partners
of individuals whose jobs require them to locate their families away from their home
countries. The officers of the Board of Directors are: Ms. Shawn Runacres, President;
Ms. Irene Sanders, Vice-President and Ms. Barbara Barrett Foster, Secretary/Treasurer.
At the present time, its primary activity is to facilitate the Strategic Links initiative
in India. It can also accept resources to promote this initiative globally.
The Strategic Links Trust, an Indian nonprofit educational entity,
was established in December, 2006. Its purpose is to assist individuals, especially
spouses and partners of globally mobile workers living in India, develop and maintain
their careers by providing them with a full range of informational and educational
services and a supportive professional network. It will soon apply for its tax exempt
status. Members of the Board of Trustees are: Mr. Ravi Bhatia,
Ms. Mirjam Dikken, Ms. Catarina Granryd, Ms. Barbara Barrett Foster and Mr. Jerome Sauvage. This trust is empowered to create
a wide range of programs to advance its mission. At this time its sole activity is
sponsoring Strategic Links India.
Strategic Links India is the name of the membership organisation
that is focused on meeting specific needs of individual and organisational members
based in India. From an informal unincorporated group to a fully developed program
of The Strategic Links Trust, Strategic Links India launched services in New Delhi
in 2006 and expanded to Hyderabad and Chennai in 2008. This website
details its current programmes.
|
