working to deepen global perspectiveS through speaker programs, discussion groups, and educational experiences
ICFRC is a Member Council of the World Affairs Councils of America, which supports, strengthens, and represents a national network of more than 90 nonpartisan organizations working to deepen their communities’ global perspective through speaker programs, discussion groups, and educational experiences. From the founding of our first Council in 1918 to present day, communities around the country have benefited from the perspectives shared by thousands of journalists, professors, thought leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps.
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In an age of rapidly shifting international order, WACA believes that engaging the public and leaders in global affairs is more vital than ever. |
We are excited to announce that last month, ICFRC joined the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) to become part of a more extensive network that fosters global understanding and dialogue. By connecting with councils nationwide, we can expand our reach, collaborate on critical global issues, and bring diverse perspectives to our community in Iowa City. WACA offers the opportunity to learn from other councils, access valuable resources, and amplify our shared mission of educating and engaging the public in international affairs.
The Council Network is vital because it empowers organizations like ICFRC to contribute to the national and global conversation on pressing international issues. Being part of a more extensive network gives us access to expert speakers, fresh perspectives, and collaborative opportunities that enhance our local programming. Connecting with peers nationwide strengthens our impact, allowing us to bring thought-provoking and relevant content to our community, all while supporting our shared mission of building a more informed and globally aware society.
At ICFRC, we look forward to collaboratingwith WACA and leveraging the network’s resources to bring even more impactful programs to Iowa City and beyond. We are also excited to engage with new voices, explore timely global issues, and foster dialogue that empowers our audience to think critically about international relations. As we move forward, we look forward to expanding our reach and deepening our community’s understanding of global affairs, all while staying connected to the broader WACA network and mission.
The Council Network is vital because it empowers organizations like ICFRC to contribute to the national and global conversation on pressing international issues. Being part of a more extensive network gives us access to expert speakers, fresh perspectives, and collaborative opportunities that enhance our local programming. Connecting with peers nationwide strengthens our impact, allowing us to bring thought-provoking and relevant content to our community, all while supporting our shared mission of building a more informed and globally aware society.
At ICFRC, we look forward to collaboratingwith WACA and leveraging the network’s resources to bring even more impactful programs to Iowa City and beyond. We are also excited to engage with new voices, explore timely global issues, and foster dialogue that empowers our audience to think critically about international relations. As we move forward, we look forward to expanding our reach and deepening our community’s understanding of global affairs, all while staying connected to the broader WACA network and mission.
More than 90 World Affairs Councils across the United States promote programs and educational initiatives for diverse, multi-generational audiences
The World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) traces its earliest roots to 1918, when the League of Free Nations Association was formed by 141 distinguished Americans, including the social reformer Paul Kellogg, to support President Woodrow Wilson’s efforts to achieve a just peace. At the end of World War I, the Association’s founders were concerned that Americans would choose isolationism over a foreign policy based on international engagement. They worked to promote and nurture public awareness of critical international issues affecting the U.S., and in 1923 reconstituted the organization as the Foreign Policy Association. John Foster Dulles and Eleanor Roosevelt were among the FPA’s incorporators.
Citizen discussion groups and FPA branches began to form and spread in the 1920s,1930s, and after World War II – forerunners of the independent World Affairs Councils of subsequent decades. In 1954, the Great Decisions program was launched in Oregon. Based on the annual briefing book prepared by FPA’s editors, Great Decisions has become the largest nonpartisan public education program on international affairs in the world. The FPA consolidated its operations into its New York City headquarters in the 1980s while the network of independent councils on world affairs continued to flourish.
In 1986, the National Council of World Affairs Organizations office was established in Washington, DC. The organization was renamed the World Affairs Councils of America, and today WACA serves more than 90 World Affairs Councils nationwide, in 40 states and the District of Columbia.
Citizen discussion groups and FPA branches began to form and spread in the 1920s,1930s, and after World War II – forerunners of the independent World Affairs Councils of subsequent decades. In 1954, the Great Decisions program was launched in Oregon. Based on the annual briefing book prepared by FPA’s editors, Great Decisions has become the largest nonpartisan public education program on international affairs in the world. The FPA consolidated its operations into its New York City headquarters in the 1980s while the network of independent councils on world affairs continued to flourish.
In 1986, the National Council of World Affairs Organizations office was established in Washington, DC. The organization was renamed the World Affairs Councils of America, and today WACA serves more than 90 World Affairs Councils nationwide, in 40 states and the District of Columbia.
