Mile
Zero

Friday was my last day working at the World Bank. Unless they bring me back in for consulting, that is, but that really doesn't count. Starting Monday, I'll be working at Congressional Quarterly as their Multimedia Producer--a position which is nebulous but promising. Because CQ is understandably cautious about appearances, there will probably be little or no political content here in the future. Please, let's keep the sighs of relief to a minimum.

I will miss the Bank. Its stated mission--"Our dream is a world free from poverty"--lent every workday an energy and determination that you don't get working for the bottom line. And the institution is filled with smart, driven people. Many of them come from the developing countries in which the Bank works, and they feel strongly about the cause of poverty. It has often been a pleasure to work alongside the staff, particularly in the Multimedia Center, which makes it a priority to look ahead and remain open to new ideas and perspectives.

At the same time, it would be a lie to say that the Bank doesn't have issues. I certainly don't agree with all of its policies, and in my three years there, I've seen dysfunctional units, poorly-run projects, and a fair share of bureacracy. I don't want to go into detail, but I will say that these problems are all the more frustrating because of the Bank's lofty goals. We have a responsibility to do better. And I'm sure that the World Bank will do so.

Because when it comes down to it, I think we need the Bank. The problems of development aren't going anywhere, and it can be tremendously helpful for a single organization to act as hub for those efforts. Not to mention the Bank's strength as a knowledge-sharing and learning institution, which I personally think is its strongest asset. I may be leaving the Bank, but I'll be watching it with hope and anticipation.

In any case, this space may be a little quiet for a while as I settle into my new position and get the production process straightened out. As soon as I have something to show for it, I'll post links here.