World Affairs Councils Of America

National conference:for nearly four decades, the waca national conference has brought world affairs council leaders and members to engage with top government officials, diplomats, business executives, innovators, journalists, educators, and students on the most pressing global issues and policy choices that impact our lives.this annual event in washington, dc, inspires diverse councils from 90 communities to sustain the conversation on critical global issues and contribute to a stronger network and informed american public.

Other programs:1. Academic worldquest (awq) inspires high school students and teachers across the united states to embrace a culture of global engagement. Nationwide, more than 40 local world affairs councils host community academic worldquest competitions throughout the year, engaging over 3,000 students in schools across diverse geographic and economic lines as they vie for the ultimate prize: representing their communities at the carlos and malu alvarez academic worldquest national competition in washington, dc.2. The council leadership meeting holds space for council leaders to network with peers, engage in informative sessions, and gain valuable insights into challenges and opportunities that impact the council network.3. As part of strengthening councils around the country, waca virtual programming (roundtables, council huddles, waca 101) gives council staff and board members a chance to connect, exchange insights, and learn about the national network. Each quarter, council professionals and volunteers engaged in specific aspects of councils' work gather over zoom to meet others in the waca network, share questions and ideas, explore innovative strategies, and problem-solve together.4. Student scholars: established in 2010, the waca student scholars program offers 25 undergraduate students from council communities the opportunity to attend the national conference at no cost. Through the generosity of donors, waca also supports the room and board of program participants.this year, student scholars was enhanced through the introduction of student scholar day, an excursion into dc that includes visits to think tanks, universities, and more.through these experiences, students envision their own global futures and prepare to take the next steps in their education and careers.