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The English-Speaking Union of the United States

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Social Development

Affiliation with other organizations: The English-Speaking Union of the United States is affiliated closely with its sister organization in the UK, the English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth (Dartmouth House) and is affiliated with a network of more than 60 English-Speaking Unions across the world. The English-Speaking Union of the United States is a founding member of the International Council of the English-Speaking Unions and alternates with the ESU-Dartmouth House in chairing this international organization. The International Council meets every year in a different location and its members organize activities and programs in their countries that promote the use of the English language as a language of opportunity, inclusion, good will and understanding.
Publications: English-Speaking Union of the United States annual report. Most recent one was issued in October 2018.
Purpose of the organization: In a shrinking world dominated by dollars and digits, cultural compression, unprecedented migration, and bloody national borders, the ESU believes in building a better world through the English language and international exchange. The ESU works to advance common bonds, person-to-person—one conversation, one presentation and one exchange at a time. By promoting creative and confident civil discourse, we enable participants to rise to their potential as individuals, thrive as global citizens, and join worldwide in pursuing conditions for peace. The English-Speaking Union of the United States was created to fulfill a mission. It was formally organized in the United States in 1920, two years after the establishment of its counterpart in Britain, the ESU of the British Commonwealth, and arose from the conviction of its founder, Sir Evelyn Wrench and a group of like-minded American and British friends, that maintenance of the close personal and national ties forged during World War I was necessary for the preservation of peace. Sir Evelyn firmly believed that given the opportunity to know one another personally, people who shared a common language would soon discover that they also shared similar values, whatever their differences in nationality or background. He imagined the ESU as an inclusive organization "founded in no narrow attitude of race pride, in no spirit of hostility to any people."
Confirmation of the activities of the organization at the regional, national or international level: Over its century of achievement, the ESU has regularly recast itself in response to the changing context of American society and interests. Entering into its second century, The English-Speaking Union of the United States is dedicated to increasing its national and international leadership in education and exchange through the following programs: English 1-to-1 Conversations pair English language learners with trained volunteers to improve their English fluency through a one-on-one cultural exchange. Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center (ARNIC) facilitates the social and economic integration of recent immigrants through a free educational program of English language courses, workshops and civic events that builds language and cultural knowledge and creates social connections between immigrants and American citizens. Luard Morse Scholarships sends students from historically Black colleges to study for a semester at a British university of their choosing. Middle School Debate builds research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills through debate tournaments. National Shakespeare Competition develops high school students' analytical and communication skills through performing Shakespeare at the school, community and national levels. Secondary School Exchange sends high school graduates to British boarding schools for a gap year abroad. TLab provides teachers and lifelong learners educational enrichment programs at Oxford, the University of Edinburgh and Shakespeare's Globe. Internationally, the English-Speaking Union of the United States co-chairs the International Council of the English-Speaking Unions together with the ESU-Dartmouth House and participates in its annual conventions.
A list of members of the governing body of the organization, and their countries of nationality: ESU BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Paul Beresford-Hill, EdD, CBE KSt.J, Chairman, New York, NY; Mountbatten Institute, Director General (USA) E. Quinn Peeper, MD, President, New Orleans, LA; Crescent City Physicians Inc., Obstetrician (USA) Karen Karpowich, Interim Executive Director, The English-Speaking Union (ex officio) (USA) William R. Miller CBE KSt.J, Chairman Emeritus, New York, NY; Bristol-Myers Squibb, Retired (USA) DIRECTORS Cheryl Albuquerque, MD, Madera, CA; Physician (USA) Donald A. Best, Los Angeles, CA; Real Estate Investor (USA) Karen Blair-Brand, PhD, State College, PA; Pennsylvania State University, Faculty USA) Janet Haedicke, Ph.D., College or Arts, Education, and Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Professor (USA) Julia Hansen, Aspen, CO; Aspen Theatre Masters, Founder/Co-Artistic Director (USA) Duncan Karcher, New York, NY; Starr Insurance Holdings, Director of Warranty Operations (USA) Hon. James W. Kerr, Dallas, TX; City of University Park, TX, Associate Municipal Judge (USA) Lisa Kressbach, New York, NY; Rockefeller University, International Council Initiative Director (USA) William B. Maschmeier, Seattle, WA; ClearPoint LLC, Senior Underwriter Retired (USA) Darryl McCormick, Stamford, CT; Stamford Hospital System, SVP, Talent and Culture retired (USA) Bettie Miller, Chapman, AL; Phantom Cook Catering, Owner and Chef (USA) Donna M. Miller, Oviedo, FL; Orange County Public Schools, Retired Curriculum Supervisor (USA) Mary Alice Phelan, Jacksonville, FL; St. Vincent’s HealthCare, Retired (USA) John J. Raffaeli Jr., New York, NY; Mountbatten Institute, Trustee (USA) Charles D. Reaves, Memphis, TN; Apperson Crump PLC, Of Counsel (USA) Jeffrey L. Schnabel, Kansas City, MO; Canterbury Enterprises LLC, Owner and President (USA) Susan D. Sinclair, PhD, Nashville, TN; Sinclair Appraisals and Consulting, Antiques Appraiser (USA) Julia C. Van de Water, EdD, Lexington, VA; ESU Charlottesville Branch, President (USA) Mathew West Esq., New York, NY; Schnader Harrison Segal Lewis LLP, Partner (USA)
Description of the membership of the organization, indicating the total number of members: The English-Speaking Union of the United States has 4,400 members organized in volunteer-led branches in 65 cities across the United States. Our members are pillars of their communities, support the mission of the organization and are dedicated to strengthening the trans-Atlantic relations.
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