History of Interaction International

1968
Dr. David Pollock and Dr. James DiRaddo founded the Manhattan Youth Service

1975-1980
Dr. David Pollock develops the Third Culture Kid (TCK) Profile, Transition model and “Flow of Care” concept that serves as the blueprint for a new focus, and for the new services to be offered.

1980
Dave Pollock returns from spending several years working with TCKs in Africa. He reorganizes the Manhattan Youth Service as Interaction International Inc. He shifts the focus of the organizations' work to become a ‘catalyst and resource’ in the care of TCKs and the internationally mobile community- which includes missions, diplomatic, international business, military communities, and non-government organizations (NGO). He becomes the Executive Director of Interaction.

Early 1980s
Interaction holds its first transition seminar for TCKs who are returning to North America for high school or college.

1984
Interaction co-sponsors the first of three International Conferences on Missionary Kids (ICMK). The first ICMK is held in Manila, Philippines and becomes the cutting edge of TCK care ever since. Two subsequent ICMK conferences were held in Quito, Ecuador (1987) and in Nairobi, Kenya (1989).

Summer 1987
Interaction and Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) co-sponsor the first TCK-PFO Seminar.

1990
The CCTECC program is launched and begins placing student teachers from member colleges at  schools around the world.
 
Fall 1991
The first issue of Interact magazine is published. It is a quarterly magazine which addresses issues in MK/TCK care and education.

Spring 1997
The first Prefield Educational Planning Seminar (PFE) is held for parents planning to serve in areas with limited English-language schooling options.

1999
The Third Culture Kid Experience co-authored by Dr. Dave Pollock and Ruth Van Reken is published and becomes a best-seller among the expatriate community.
 
2001
The first issue of the Among Worlds magazine is published. It is a quarterly magazine which addresses issues that are relevant to Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs).

April 2004
Dr. David C. Pollock, founder and Executive Director of Interaction, he passes away in Vienna, Austria.

June 2004
Matthew Neigh is appointed Executive Director.

November 2005
Janet Blomberg is appointed Executive Director.

Over the years, Interaction staff members have been involved in launching various other organizations including SHARE, AERC, Global Nomads, Families in Global Transition, CICM, MuKappa and Global Associates.

Click on the Following Links to Find out More about Interaction.

Mission and Vision of Interaction International

Who was Dave Pollock?

Interaction Staff