The History of Families in Global Transition
How it all began
In late 1997 four women from the newly formulated Association of International Women in Indianapolis were gathered around Ruth Van Reken’s kitchen table for coffee to discuss what they could do to help families such as their own deal with the adjustment issues of international relocations. Each of them had experienced difficulties on a personal level and they were committed to the idea of starting something from the grassroots level up to help each other.
Marjorie Becker, an Eli Lilly spouse, and Ruth Van Reken, an Indianapolis author and speaker on global family issues, approached Caterina Blitzer of the International Center of Indianapolis (ICI) about hosting a forum at the International School of Indianapolis to assess interest in the topic. Christine Dowdeswell and Janet Fischer, two co-founders of the Association of International Women in Indianapolis, helped implement what became a full-day conference. David Pollock an authority on third culture kids (TCKs), transitions and internationally mobile families agreed to speak.
Through the support of Mitch Armbruster, Manager of Global Relocations, Eli Lilly and Company, and the financial sponsorship of both Eli Lilly and Company and F.C. Tucker, the first FIGT conference was held at the Eli Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana on May 16, 1998. Of the 85 attendees, over half traveled from outside Indianapolis.
| 1998 |
First FIGT Conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 1999 |
Conference expanded to a weekend at Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 2000-2001 |
Conference attendance continued to grow and became a weekday event |
| 2002 |
FIGT incorporated and successfully applied for 501(c)(3) status |
| 2004 |
Conference relocated to Dallas, Texas |
| 2005-2007 |
Conference relocated and held in Houston, Texas |
| 2008 |
FIGT celebrated its 10th Anniversary and recognized the contributions of Norma McCaig, David Pollock and Ruth Van Reken |
| 2009 |
Conference continued to be held in Houston
First chapter formed in Boston
|
| 2010 |
Trailblazer Awards presented to Jo Parfitt and Robin Pascoe for their contributions to expatriate families and support of FIGT
Second chapter formed in Seoul, South Korea
|
| 2011 |
Conference relocated to Washington, DC |
Since a small group of dedicated individuals started FIGT in 1998, we have:
- Engaged more than 1700 attendees from over 30 countries
- Held more than 300 sessions on topics addressing the needs of globally mobile families and the organizations that support them
- Empowered employees in more than 150 organizations.
- Expanded FIGT spotlight and made FIGT a "household name.”
- Increased distribution from 670 organizations and individuals in 2004 to over 2700 (+400%)
FIGT's focus has been and will continue to be on families relocating around the world.
