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A Leadership Mission is a working visit made by a WACA National Leadership Delegation to a foreign country. It is an important membership benefit for our network leaders and sponsors. Missions allow participants to obtain firsthand knowledge of the host country, which helps them to design and operate programs, events and activities for their councils that make a real difference in fostering grassroots understanding and engagement in international affairs.
Itineraries and meetings are organized by the host. Arrangements will be made for the delegation to interact with selected government agencies, major political parties and NGOs in order to further enhance the delegates' understanding of Taiwan.
Eligibility
This Leadership Mission is open to council CEOs, board members of local councils and the national network, and sponsors. Applicants should be actively involved in the council operations and activities, and must be supported by their councils. The Leadership Mission to Taiwan will include 8-10 delegates.
Leadership missions involve extensive walking and very long days. For this reason, all delegates should be in excellent physical condition.
Expectations
Delegates representing the national association of World Affairs Councils are citizen diplomats in every sense of the phrase.
Before Departure
Some briefing materials will be provided to delegates in advance of the trip; however, they should also be proactive in learning about Taiwan's history, social mores, current issues, etc.
During the Trip
Delegates should be prepared for a full schedule in Taiwan from September 8 through September 14. (Note: Flights will leave on September 7 and arrive in Taipei on September 8.) This means that participants must arrive in Taiwan on September 8 and depart on September 14. Arriving later or leaving earlier are not options. Delegates are required to attend all meetings and site visits.
Delegates are also asked to bring some gifts to present to meeting hosts and others, as appropriate. A trip leader will be present to help coordinate this, as well as to act as a liaison with the Taiwan organizers. In some instances, a tour guide is provided and should be tipped as customary.
Upon Return
Upon returning from these unique trips, participants must contribute to a trip report book, published by the World Affairs Councils of America and distributed to all the councils in the World Affairs Councils network, as well as to the trip hosts and some government offices where appropriate. (Sample trip reports can be found on our website.) Participants are also required to share their experience through council events, op-eds, radio interviews, and other means of public engagement. Three months after the delegates' return to the U.S., delegates are required to submit a report of their public engagement activities to the World Affairs Councils office.
Expenses
The generous sponsorship of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office will cover air fare and in-country expenses for the delegation, including lodging, meals and local transportation.
Delegates are asked to pay an administrative fee of $1,200 to the World Affairs Councils of America. Limited travel insurance can be provided by the host in Taiwan. For this purpose, please provide your full legal name on the application. Delegates are responsible for making any additional travel insurance arrangements at their discretion.
Delegates will be responsible for any souvenirs and incidentals.
Selection Process
Applicants are asked to submit the following to the World Affairs Councils of America National Office by email to [email protected] by July 19, 2013:
- Application form (Download Here)
- Release of Liability Form (Download Here)
- A color copy of the photo page of your passport
- A letter of reference from your local Council CEO. If you are a Council CEO, please submit a letter of reference from the Chair of your Board of Directors.
Delegates will be selected based on their demonstrated involvement with their local council and commitment to public engagement following the mission.
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