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Where We Came From
It all began in 1918 when British Journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench established a group intended to “draw together in comradeship the English-speaking peoples of the world.” In 1920 he met with a group of distinguished Americans in New York to form the English-Speaking Union of the United States. To Wrench this partnership represented an opportunity to join together in non-political activities all those who spoke English. The early members embraced this philosophy and enhanced it through their thoughtful and energetic responses to the social changes that were challenging their own post-war era. They remained non-political, but entertained speakers who addressed pertinent topics throughout the turbulent period that led to World War II and the many political and social changes that followed.
During these times the focus of ESU remained the importance of the English language and its global influence. Numerous scholarships and academic programs have been developed and continue to enjoy support from the various Branches. Some examples are the Luard Scholarships, the British University Summer School Scholarships for Teachers, Books as Envoys, English in Action, the National Shakespeare Competition and the Walter Hines Page Scholarship, There are many other opportunities to interact with individual members and ESU Branches in seminars and local, regional and national meetings.
Where We Are Now
In 1973, with the generous aid of members of the Palm Beach Branch of ESU, the Fort Lauderdale Branch was formed. From the beginning, the Fort Lauderdale Branch has supported educational programs. Walter Hines Page scholars have been entertained and a Sir Evelyn Wrench Speaker has been a regular part of our program each year.
Our major efforts have been to offer opportunities for teachers and students to strengthen the English programs in our local schools. Since 1986 we have sent 41 Broward Country teachers to study in British Universities and, most recently, to study at the Globe Theater. In addition, great emphasis has been placed on student participation in the National Shakespeare Competition
The Ft. Lauderdale Branch meets monthly from September through April. Programs include a range of speakers from the international Wrench Speaker to local journalists and academics, or, as suggested by Sir Evelyn, sometimes just comradeship such as our annual Wassail Party and the annual fund raising Gala. Since many of our members migrate north in the summer, we have a “Summer in Ft. Lauderdale” schedule as well. This year’s summer theme has been to emphasize the multicultural nature of our community. Meetings in June, July and August will be held in small neighborhood restaurants that have been around since the “early days” of our area and represent different cultures.
The Ft. Lauderdale Branch is dedicated to continuing to promote the ideas and aims of the English-speaking Union of the United States. |
Annual Shakespeare Competition
The Annual Shakespeare Competition is the ESU's largest educational initiative. It is a curriculum-based program designed to 'celebrate the beauty of the English language and to give teachers a tool to interest students in Shakespeare.' More than 16,000 students and 2,000 teachers in 60 Branch communities are involved.
Information regarding the competition for the 2008-2009 school year will become available on this web site in October 2008. Contact Dr. Ina Steinberg, Director of Educational Activities in Ft. Lauderdale, for information. E-mail contact: ina.steinberg@esulauderdale.org.
Globe Theater Scholarships
Laurel Holland, a teacher from Coral Ridge High, won the Globe Theater Scholarship for 2007. She will study Shakespeare at the Globe Theater in London.
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