The English-Speaking Union was created to fulfill a mission.
Formally organized in the United States in 1920, two years
after the establishment of its counterpart in the British
Commonwealth, it was conceived as a nonpolitical association
dedicated to furthering friendship and understanding among
English-speaking peoples around the world.
It 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." Its educational mission would be carried
out by a host of activities allowing for personal contact
between peoples at every level. For many years this mission
was summarized in Sir Evelyn's phrase,
"To draw together in the bonds of comradeship the English-speaking
peoples of the world."
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