The desire for enhancing human well-being is evident throughout the world. A powerful force in improving the human condition and increasing quality of life is the provision of quality leisure experiences. World Leisure is a world-wide,nongovernmental voluntary organization dedicating to discovering and fostering those conditions which permit leisure to serve as a force to optimize collective and individual well-being. World Leisure,through its advocacy,research,and educational programs promotes leisure as being integral to social,cultural,and economic development. In addition,World Leisure is committed to informing individuals of the benefits of leisure,removing constraints to participation,and assisting them acquire knowledge and skills to fully participate in leisure experiences. This article provides background information concerning leisure and the efforts of World Leisure including a discussion of its mission,historical background,moral and philosophical underpinnings,strategic in...更多itiatives,and programs and services. A 20-member international board of directors provides direction and sets policy for the organization. The World Leisure Board of Directors approves programs of the organization and oversees its efforts. This group acts as observers,interpreters,and evaluators of the organization's activities. The World Leisure Board of Directors is responsible for appointing the officers of the organization. The mission of the World Leisure includes awareness of leisure benefits,improving policy and legislation,strengthening leadership,expanding international cooperation. Its programs and services include World Leisure congresses and regional conferences,World Leisure exhibitions and trade shows,World Leisure summits and forums,World Leisure special events,World Leisure educational and training programs,World Leisure commissions,World Leisure innovation prize,World Leisure journal,World Leisure international scholarship program,World Leisure professional services,World Leisure's United Nations partnership,World Leisure chapters and World Leisure Affiliates. Without question,leisure is an emerging force in contemporary society and holds great promise for enhancing the human condition and well-being of individuals. World Leisure,as a worldwide membership organization,is strongly committed to assisting individuals and organizations in understanding how leisure can improve the quality of life for all. As an organization,World Leisure is engaged in fostering research and inquiry,providing advocacy to promote the importance of leisure,and through its programs and services,improving leisure policy and legislation,and the education and development of professionals. World Leisure believes that leisure provides a context for experiencing life at its fullest and is working to promote this end to ensure that all individuals worldwide have a more fulfilling and meaningful life.