The World Affairs Council of America (WACA) is a membership-based association that creates forums for discussion of critical global issues. Founded in 1918, it has grown to become America's largest non-profit international affairs organization. It comprises 535,000 members in 90 independent organizations in 39 states and the District of Columbia that work to engage and educate Americans on international affairs and foreign policy. All member organizations are non-profit, non-partisan, and maintain an open membership policy - everyone is welcome to join! Each council sets its own policies and practices.

Every year, the nation-wide network of World Affairs Councils collectively conducts more than 1200 programs in communities and cities across the nation. Each council sets is own calendar and programs. Council programs reach more than 20 million people every year.

The World Affairs Councils of America sponsors more than 2,500 programs annually, which include the country's biggest international affairs speakers' program. The organization also operates international exchanges, school programs, teachers' workshops, foreign policy discussions, national opinion polls, travel programs, young professionals' programs, conferences, and corporate programs. WACA also contributes to professional journals, newspaper columns, and local radio and television programs.

The national association organizes an annual conference, missions to other nations, a speaker referral system, international exchanges, people-to-people diplomacy missions, educational workshops, subscription discounts, research papers, videoconferences, and national publications.

It also runs national program series such as World Bank Town Meetings, Mexican Migration, Two Koreas, Future of Russia, Western Hemisphere, Human Rights Worldwide, the EU, Rising Anti-Americanism, American Security, UN Reform, and The People Speak.

Through its Community Programs, the Council reaches a public considerably larger than its membership. These programs give the public the unique opportunity to question important speakers and engage in more personal discussion.

The World Affairs Fellows Program offers a series of monthly seminars on international affairs issues to a small yet dynamic group of future international leaders.

The Global Classroom program connects teachers and students with international resources, ideas, and people. Winner of the 2000 KCTS Golden Apple Award, the program reaches thousands of students through speaker programs and resources provided to Washington teachers.

Each year the International Visitor Program arranges meetings for over 1200 prominent visiting professionals and students from over 120 nations. World Affairs Council members have the opportunity to provide home hospitality for international visitors.

The Young Professionals International Network (YPIN) is designed for younger associates in business or other professional career tracks, students, and others with ties to or interest in international affairs and cultures.

The Council offers a host of other activities to keep its members abreast of international affairs. Some of these events include the Culture Through Cuisine Cooking Series, the Global Business Series, the monthly Transnational Trivia Challenge, discussion groups, community receptions, and the World Citizen and World Educator Awards Dinner. Check the Calendar for details on upcoming events.

WACA Sponsors