News

For this special edition of In the Lead, we're sharing a timely piece written by Clinical Psychologist and IWF South Africa member "DrD" Dorianne Weil.

Most of us have experienced unpredictable challenges or crises. Sometimes the initial response may be, “it’s not fair.” But here’s the truth: Life is fair, because it’s not fair to everyone. The difference? This time we’re all in it together. We are living in an unprecedented time of uncertainty and disruption. This global pandemic does not discriminate.

By Edwin Moses and IWF Connecticut member Donna de Varona

Over the weekend Edwin and I drafted an open letter in support of delaying the Olympics. We did so in support of the national Olympic committees of Canada and Australia in their decision to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics. We also were responding to efforts of USA Swimming and USA Track & Field, as well as athletes globally who were lobbying for postponement. As multiple Olympic gold medal-winners in swimming and track, we wanted to share our reasons why the International Olympic Committee, which, in its 81-page contract with the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, has the sole power to cancel or postpone the Olympic Games, should do so.

Original article posted by the World Wide Web Foundation; written by Foundation Co-Founder Tim Berners-Lee.

When the world celebrated the web’s 30th birthday a year ago, we were reminded of the incredible things it has enabled — and all that we stand to lose if we don’t fight for it. I asked everyone to join together and do what they can to make sure the next 30 years of the web is even greater than the last.

A year later, with the help of activists, academics, policymakers and business people across the world, the Web Foundation has built and published a Contract for the Web— endorsed by companies, institutions and thousands of organisations and individuals — designed to protect and shape a web that is safe, empowering and available to all.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that we cannot achieve the aims of this Contract unless we address a dangerous trend we are hearing more and more about from our partners globally and working on the frontline: the web is not working for women and girls.

To our valued members across the globe,

I hope this communication finds you well.

Only a few months ago when we brought in the new decade, we could only imagine the exciting possibilities, changes and developments that accompany any new era. Who would have thought we would be dealing with a global pandemic, experiencing travel bans, government shutdowns, lock downs and a crippled economy. We are now in unprecedented times in which how we live our lives and interact with society has completely changed.

I believe that as leaders we have the obligation, now more than ever, to be role models and show the way. The way we conduct ourselves in times like these truly matters. I, together with so many of you, was looking forward to convening in May in London at our Cornerstone Conference. However, the safety and health of our members is our foremost priority. To that end, the Executive Committee of the IWF Board made the decision to cancel the upcoming conference. Our goal is and has always been to keep IWF a vibrant and sustainable organization, and this decision has been made in the best interest of everyone. Registration fees will be refunded to all registrants and guests.

I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank IWF UK for their tireless work and tremendous effort over the past two years to create a wonderful program for us all. In particular, I would like to recognize conference co-chairs Julie Goldstein and Marty Wikstrom for their leadership, commitment and dedication to make what would surely have been a magnificent event. This is a major disappointment for all involved in so many ways, especially being so close to the finish line.

During this time, the team at IWF Headquarters is working remotely to carry on and support the global membership. As well, the Executive Committee of the Board is meeting regularly to engage on decisions and the Committees of the Board will keep moving forward with their good work.

In the coming weeks, you will hear more about the Member Portal on our IWF website, as well as some new programming that can be shared virtually to connect as a global organization. Remember our mission of leadership and that we have the power, the knowledge and the connections to make a difference. This is our time as leaders, as role models and as citizens to show our humanity and what we stand for. Our families, our communities, our countries and the world need us now more than ever.

The contributions of our benefactors and members have been, and will always be, vital to our mission and work. If you feel it in your heart to help IWF at this critical juncture, we would sincerely appreciate it. You can click on this link, where you are able to make a difference at this time.

Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

With warm regards,

Deborah Shannon Trudeau
IWF President