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Week of September 9th
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Letter from WACA National Board Chair Amb. Paula J. Dobriansky
Dear World Affairs Councils of America Members and Supporters:
On behalf of the WACA National Board of Directors, it is my privilege to announce that Bill Clifford has agreed to serve as the next President and CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America, starting October 10, 2013. The Presidential Search Committee spearheaded by Dixie Anderson, Vice Chair of the WACA National Board and President of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, received over 100 applications from inside and outside of the network and conducted a thorough and deliberative search process. The WACA Executive Committee unanimously endorsed the Search Committee nomination of Bill Clifford and he was overwhelmingly approved by a vote of the National Board of Directors.
 As you know, Bill Clifford is the President and CEO of WorldBoston, and is a member of the WACA National Board, where he has been serving as an officer of the Executive Committee. He is deeply respected by his colleagues on the board, and throughout the network. A graduate of SAIS at Johns Hopkins, he has years of experience within the Council system of managing a local Council, and also a lengthy career in journalism (print, broadcast, and online/multimedia). His commitment to our network mission and his guidance and leadership have been invaluable to the network's development and growth over the past several years. Resume
We are very much looking forward to Bill's stewardship as we continue our efforts to work together to grow and expand our national network's impact across the country. Bill's vision, energy and deep knowledge of our network's structure and needs provide the right combination of skills necessary to implement our timeless and valued mission to educate and engage the American public of all ages in the critical global issues of our time.
I know you will also join me in thanking Dixie Anderson and the Search Committee for its exhaustive efforts, Dr. Lori E. Murray for her interim leadership during this important transition, and the WACA National Board for its time and dedication to our network efforts.
Sincerely,
Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky
Chair of the WACA National Board of Directors
2013 National Conference
Join the Discussion!
Speaker Highlights: Human Trafficking
Fact: At any given moment, over 2.5 million people are in forced labor throughout the globe as a result of human trafficking. The majority of these victims are between the ages of 18-24, have at least a mid-level education, and 1.2 million are children. The estimated global annual profits of this horrific industry top $31.6 billion. What can be done to end this?
Please join us and our keynote speakers for an important discussion regarding human trafficking and what can be done to end it.
Keynote Addresses: Human Trafficking: Ending the Global Scourge
Former Chairman and CEO, Carlson, on human trafficking
Co-Chair, Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking
Click here to see the list of confirmed speakers
Councils, a flyer is available for your use to promote the National Conference to your members. Download Flyer
Held annually for over two decades, the World Affairs Councils of America's National Conference engages our regional leaders and members drawn from the business, civic, and education communities with leading policy-makers and experts. The National Conference launches the National Network's year-long discussion of the Six Top Issues for 2014 selected by our network leadership across the country and helps plan our programming for the coming year.
The Six Top Issues selected by the National Network's leadership as the most important national security issues for the coming year are:
- Cybersecurity
- U.S. Energy Independence
- Global Economic Realignment
- Middle East
- Global Environment Issues
- U.S. Education
The World Affairs Councils of America will host its 2013 National Conference, Six Top Issues for 2014, at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel.
Register for 2013 National Conference
Reserve Hotel Room at The Liaison
Tentative Agenda
Wednesday, November 13
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Fall Leadership Meeting for Council CEOs and Staff/Annual Membership Meeting
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Opening Dinner
Thursday, November 14
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Main Plenaries
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Embassy Receptions
- Embassy of Canada
- Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco
- Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
Friday, November 15
7:30 AM - 8:45 AM: 1918 Society Breakfast
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Main Plenaries
Conference concludes at 3:00 PM
Thank you to our generous sponsors: Chevron, NATO,
The Gambrinus Company, Raytheon, ExxonMobil, Duke Energy, Goldman Sachs, and Coca-Cola
DC Recap in Virtual Library: Focus on Syria
 With the President asking Congress for the authorization to use military force against Syria to hold them accountable for their use of chemical weapons, the American people are directly engaged in this important decision. In accordance with our mission, the World Affairs Councils of America's National Office aims to provide the most up-to-date information regarding the decision-making process and will be updating the WACA Virtual Library with information on the decision as it becomes available over the next two weeks.
Syria
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on the Authorization of the Use of Force in Syria
Senate Resolution on the Authorization of Use of Force in Syria
House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing on Syria: Weighing the Obama Administration's Response
President Obama Holds a Press Conference at the G20 Summit
Where Congress Stands on Syria -- The Washington Post
Government Assessment of the Syrian Government's Use of Chemical Weapons on August 21, 2013
AP Interview: Putin Warns West on Syria Action
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) questions Secretary Kerry on Syria
Visit the WACA Virtual Library
Deadline: Engage America Series: European Union
 The World Affairs Councils of America has been invited by the Delegation of the European Union to the U.S. to submit a national bid for a grant for an Engage America Program designed to raise awareness about the EU and the EU-U.S. relationship. More Information
The events will take place on or around Europe Day, May 9, 2014. We are requesting councils to propose events to be included in this national grant proposal to the Delegation. Proposals are due Monday, September 16, 2013.
Academic WorldQuest 2014: Study Guide Released
The 2014 Academic WorldQuest National Competition will take place Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center in Washington, DC. Read about the 2013 Academic WorldQuest National Competition here.
The 2013-2014 Study Guide has been released, as well as information and resources for councils and teachers. More Information
Taiwan Leadership Mission
 The World Affairs Councils of America's Leadership Delegation is currently in Taiwan. Last week, the National Office hosted a conference call briefing with the Leadership Delegation and Christopher Beede, Director, Office of Taiwan Coordination, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State. The Leadership Mission lasts through September 14, 2013. The Leadership Delegation includes:
Anna Berry, World Affairs Council of New Hampshire
John Bretz, World Affairs Council of Houston
Margaret Corbin, World Affairs Council of Rochester, NY
David Edick, San Diego World Affairs Council
Susan Fairchild, World Affairs Council of Seattle
Nels Hamilton Granholm, South Dakota World Affairs Council
Douglas LeVien, World Affairs Council - Washington, DC
Rajeev Narayan, International Affairs Council of Raleigh, NC
Mary Anne Rooney, World Affairs Council - California Central Coast
Steven E. Sokol, Head of Delegation, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh
Not My Life Programs Underway
 Our newest national program series focusing on human trafficking and modern-day slavery is underway. The program features screenings of the documentary film Not My Life by Robert Bilheimer and Worldwide Documentaries at over 35 World Affairs Councils. The program is made possible by a generous grant from Carlson & The Carlson Family Foundation. Click here to see the participating councils. This month's events include:
September 10 -- World Affairs Council of Harrisburg
September 24 -- World Affairs Council of Connecticut
September 25 -- World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana
September 29 -- Tennessee World Affairs Council
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| Weekly Highlights |
 Denotes programming that focuses on one of the World Affairs Councils of America's Six Top Issues for 2013. Learn more about our Six Top Issues.
Monday September 9
The World Affairs Council of Monterey Bay will host a Discussion Group for the topic "Is State Capitalism a Solution?" More Information
The World Affairs Council of Connecticut will host an Executive Forum with Luke Bronin for "Financing Terrorism: The War Behind The War." More Information
The Minnesota International Center is co-sponsoring "The International Criminal Court: Prosecuting Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, and War Crimes" with John Washburn. More Information
The Montana World Affairs Council will host Brandon Busteed for "Educating the Next Generation of Global Citizens" at a Global Educator of the Year Reception. More Information
The World Affairs Council of Houston will present Diana Villiers Negroponte and Rafael Alexandri Rionda on "Building Competitive Societies: Mexico and Brazil Face the Future." More Information
Tuesday September 10
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan will host Diana Untermeyer for "Qatar: Sand, Sea and Sky." This program is sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America. More Information
The Alaska World Affairs Council will host Ambassador David Balton and Fran Ulmer for "U.S. Leadership in an Emerging Arctic." More Information
The World Affairs Council of Northern California will hold their monthly International Forum to explore international current affairs. More Information
The World Affairs Council of Sonoma County will host Michael Nacht for "Cybersecurity: Policy, Security & Economic Implications." More Information
The Columbus Council on World Affairs will present Katie Koch for "Womenomics." More Information
WorldBoston hosts Michael Singh, Managing Director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, for "Humanitarian Intervention: Will the U.S. Act in Syria?" More Information
Wednesday September 11
The World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads will present a screening of the film "Not My Life." This program is sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America and is made possible by a generous grant from Carlson & The Carlson Family Foundation. More Information
The Juneau World Affairs Council will host Jenny Gomez Strickler for "Alaska-Philippine Relations: Exploring the Possibilities." More Information
The World Affairs Council of Northern California will host Mauro Battocchi, Consul General of Italy, as part of their Consul General Luncheon Series. More Information
The World Affairs Council of Northern California will host Liesl Gerntholtz and Hillary Margolis for Women's Rights in Transition: The Shifting Position of Women in the Middle East." More Information
The World Affairs Council of Orange County will host Dr. James Zogby for "After Tahrir: Egyptians Assess Their Government, Their Institutions, and Their Future. More Information
The World Affairs Forum will host Sarah Chayes for "Kleptocracy - The International Security Implications of Acute Corruption." More Information
The World Affairs Council of Washington DC will host John Zogby for a discussion of his book "First Globals." More Information
The World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana will host John Cassara on "Terror Finance: The War Behind the War on Terror." More Information
The World Affairs Council of Oregon will present Lisa Weasel on "GMOs: What Should We Be Asking?" More Information
The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading will host Shihoko Goto for a Luncheon Meeting. She will address "From the American Century to the Asian Age? Economic Relations Between the United States and East Asia." More Information
The World Affairs Council of Rhode Island will host Gary C. Gambill on "Understanding the Turmoil in Syria." More Information
The World Affairs Council of Houston will present Karina Bennoune on "Your Fatwa Does Not Apply Here: Untold Stories From the Fight Against Muslim Fundamentalism." More Information
The World Affairs Council of Greater Richmond will host Dr. Sinan Ciddi for "The Situation in Turkey." More Information
Thursday September 12
The World Affairs Council of Northern California will host George Schultz for "Issues on My Mind" as part of the George P. Schultz Lecture Series. More Information
The World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts will host Dr. Gwenn Meredith on "Women & The Arab Spring. More Information
Friday September 13
The World Affairs Council of Austin will host Larry Tabash, the International Business Development & Global Team Leader for Africa, the Middle East & South Asia at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He will participate in the Brown Bag Lunch Series. More Information
Calling citizen diplomats! WorldBoston, Brazil-Today, and New England's Consular Corps will host a welcoming reception for Brazil's newly-installed Consul General Frederico C�zar de Ara�jo. More Information
Saturday September 14
The Santa Fe Council on International Relations will host Dr. Ali Riaz for "Islamist Politics in Afghanistan and Pakistan: How Will It Function After US Withdrawal." More Information
Council leaders to lecture on Travel the World tours from the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia:
Mimi Gregory, Naples World Affairs Council and Francophile, travels to Paris, Alsace and Burgundy. September 24-October 4, 2013.
Ambassador Marilyn McAfee, Jacksonville Council, lectures aboard a private jet trip to South America. November 2-22, 2013.
Dr. Carla Thorson, Vice President Northern California, Expedition to Antarctica aboard deluxe L'Austral. January 31-February 13, 2014.
Kay Maxwell, Executive Director, World Affairs Forum, Stamford, CT. Myanmar (Burma). February 7-20, 2014.
Jim Falk, President, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth and honorary consul to Morocco for Texas returns to lead our Moroccan Discovery tour for a second year. February 15 - 28, 2014.
Maria Zammit, World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads, Journey Through India. March 6 - 23, 2014.
Contact www.wacphila.org/travel or call 800-942-5004 x209 or x217.
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The World Affairs Councils of America
1200 18th St., NW, Suite 902, Washington, DC 20036
Phone (202) 833-4557 Fax (202) 833-4555
Email [email protected] Website www.worldaffairscouncils.org
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