March 29, 2021
WACA Climate Week; Hunger Ward Film Screening; Star Speakers; AWQ; The Post-COVID Economy; WACA's Engage America; Cover to Cover; Council of the Month; Council Highlights; and more!
Save the Dates for WACA's Climate Week Virtual Series
The World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to announce WACA Climate Week - five days of virtual programming April 19-23 that will convene international, national, and local experts on this most critical global issue. Stay tuned for our website launch and more details! NOTE: Separate registration is required for each and every program in this special series.

Monday, April 19, at 7:00 - 8:00 PM ET
World Affairs Councils of America

  • Fireside chat with Ambassador Hyoeun Jenny Kim, Deputy Director-General of the Global Green Growth Initiative (GGGI), and more

Tuesday, April 20, at 5:00 - 6:00 PM ET
World Affairs Council of Philadelphia - Registration Open!

  • "Combating Climate Change: Making Green Energy Solutions Accessible and Affordable for All" featuring Donnel Baird, Founder & CEO of BlocPower, and Andreas Karelas, Executive Director of Re-Volv and author of Climate Courage

Wednesday, April 21, at 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall

  • "California's Future Power Grid: Smart, Resilient & Reliable" featuring J. Andrew Murphy, SVP, Strategy and Corporate Development, Edison International, Nancy Rader, Executive Director, California Wind Energy Association, and more

Thursday, April 22, at 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM ET
World Affairs Councils of Pittsburgh

  • An Earth Day conversation featuring Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University

Friday, April 23 | TBA
Councils interested in proposing an April 23 speaker program should contact WACA President and CEO Bill Clifford at bclifford@worldaffairscouncils.org.
Special Thanks to the Principal Sponsor of WACA Climate Week:
New! HUNGER WARD Documentary and Dialogue with Nicholas Kristof and Filmmaker Skye Fitzgerald
Tuesday, April 6, at 7:00 PM ET
Join MTV Documentary Films, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, and World Affairs Councils of America on Tuesday, April 6th at 7:00pm ET for an exclusive documentary screening of Oscar® nominated HUNGER WARD followed by a conversation between Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Nicholas Kristof and Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Skye Fitzgerald.

This unflinching look at the human-caused famine in Yemen follows health care workers Dr. Aida Asladeeq and nurse Mekkia Mahdi as they work to save the lives of hunger-stricken children in two therapeutic feeding centers, against the backdrop of a forgotten war. The program is free and open to the public, and WACA thanks the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for the opportunity to co-host such a critically important piece of art and education for Councils nationwide.

This program is presented in partnership with the World Affairs Councils of America, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, Vulcan Productions, Spin Film, and Ryot Films.
Star Speakers This Week
Brett Bruen
President, Global Situation Room
Marilyn Strickland
Congresswoman (WA-10)
General Jim Mattis
Fmr. Secretary of Defense
Ambassador (ret.) Charles Ray
Board of Trustees, FPRI
Taroub Faramand
President of WI-HER, LLC
Ambassador (ret.) Scot Marciel
Fmr. Ambassador to Myanmar
AWQ Team Registration Due Thursday, April 1!
The Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2020-2021 Academic WorldQuest National Competition is scheduled to be held virtually on April 17, 2021.

Date and Schedule: Saturday, April 17, 2021
Zoom Opened and Teams May Begin Logging In: 1:00 PM ET
National Competition Welcome and Opening Remarks: 1:30 PM ET
National Competition Gameplay and Program: 2:00 - 5:30 PM ET
More detailed programming schedule to be released soon.

AWQ Test Run: Saturday, April 10, at 2:00 - 2:45 PM ET
The AWQ Test Run is open to all teams competing in the National Competition. It is not required, but heavily encouraged to attend and address any technology concerns ahead of the competition date.

Team Registration
Councils may submit up to three (3) teams to the National Competition this year. The Team Registration forms were sent out Friday, March 5, to AWQ Administrators. Please ensure that the form is completely and accurately filled out. Team Registrations are due April 1, 2021!

Teams MUST be composed of the original players that worked together in their local competition! Teams or schools may not 'swap out' or rearrange players. Submit team registration forms to Laura Duncan at lduncan@worldaffairscouncils.org.

Volunteer Proctors Needed!
Proctor Training: Tuesday, April 6 at 2:00 - 2:45 PM ET
WACA is seeking volunteer proctors for the day of the National Competition to assist with scanning for dishonest gameplay or other assistance. Brief training and materials will be supplied. Volunteer by reaching out to Laura Duncan at lduncan@worldaffairscouncils.org.

AWQ Countdown Week - Save the Dates!
  • Monday, April 12 at 6:00 PM ET | International Labor Organization Program
  • Tuesday, April 13 | TBA
  • Wednesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM ET | USIP Teachers' Workshop
  • Thursday, April 15 at 6:00 PM ET | Early Stage Careers Panel 
  • Friday, April 16 at 6:00 PM ET | USIP Peace Trail Virtual Tour

If you have questions about AWQ, please email Laura Duncan at lduncan@worldaffairscouncils.org.
The Post-COVID Economy
Tuesday, March 30, 12:00 PM ET

WACA is pleased to partner with WAC Atlanta to present: President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Raphael Bostic, will discuss the speed and shape of the economic recovery, as well as his outlook for the remainder of 2021. In conversation with his predecessor, Dennis Lockhart, Bostic will share insights on the Fed’s role in advancing racial equity.

As the vaccination campaign accelerates and the Covid relief bill nears likely passage, the U.S. economy finally appears on a path to recovery. But with 9.5 million fewer jobs than a year ago, it is no surprise that we have a long way to go before achieving pre-pandemic economic conditions.
WAC Pittsburgh is Council of the Month!
Women's Rights in the Arab Region
Tuesday, March 30, 12:00 PM ET

This event is the first in a five-part series that will cover: Human Rights; Resiliency; Immigration; Diplomacy; and Youth. Dr. Lina AbiRafeh joins WAC Pittsburgh to give a keynote address on her experience fighting for global women's rights in the Arab region. Dr. AbiRafeh is a global women's rights expert with decades of experience worldwide. She serves as the Executive Director of the Arab Institute for Women at the Lebanese American University.
Perspectives on Strengthening the NATO Alliance
Wednesday, March 31, 12:30 PM ET

  • General André Lanata, French Air Force, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation
  • Admiral Edmund Giambastiani, U.S. Navy (ret.), first Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and former Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • General James Mattis, U.S. Marine Corps (ret.), former Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense
  • General Denis Mercier, French Air Force (ret.), former Supreme Allied Commander Transformation
WACA's Engage America Speaker Series
World Food Program USA Speaker Series

The Dry Corridor: Climate Change's Impact on Hunger in Central America
Thursday, April 1, at 1:00 PM ET
Join this discussion as panelists explore the impact of climate change in Central America, the state of food insecurity there, and how the UN World Food Programme and others are supporting communities and building resilience to climate shocks.

  • Chase Sova, Senior Director of Public Policy and Thought Leadership, World Food Program USA
  • Kate Milliken, Regional Climate Change Adviser for Latin America and the Caribbean, UN World Food Programme
  • Carlos Fuller, Int'l and Regional Liaison Officer, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
United States Institute of Peace Speaker Series

How Art Can Propel Peace: Examples From Africa
Tuesday, April 6, at 5:00 PM ET
Art can be used to spur conversation, amplify concerns, and share hope for a better future. In communities and countries facing violent conflict, artists can be powerful forces for change.

Join Elizabeth Murray, Senior Program Officer at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), as she discusses the role that art played in the 2019 protests against Omar al-Bashir in Sudan and how it is being used to hold the new government accountable. She will also share recent work with arts-based community dialogues in Central African Republic. 
World Health Day Symposium 2021
Wednesday, April 7, 10:00 AM ET

Global Minnesota hosts an important virtual symposium on the theme of Health Equity to mark World Health Day on April 7. This enormous topic extends all the way from local grassroots issues to global policy initiatives. With its reputation for health care, organizations and companies based in Minnesota are in a unique position to share expertise in improving global health. As the facilitator of this symposium, Global Minnesota serves as a conduit of information that can take local innovations and extend their reach across the world. Learn more and register!
Councils Are Hiring!
WorldBoston is hiring for Manager of Operations and Global Engagement Programs. Learn more on their website.
Global Minnesota is hiring for two positions: Interim Professional Exchanges Program Manager (mid-March to mid-August 2021) and Development Associate. Learn more on their website.
Call for Nominations to WACA National Board
Nominations Due April 19
The World Affairs Councils of America is seeking nominations of a diverse slate of excellent candidates for the WACA National Board of Directors. WACA Board Members serve three-year terms. WACA is looking for approximately four to six (4-6) new Board Members, and the next cohort would begin serving at the start of our fiscal year, on July 1, 2021.

Make a Recommendation
If you would like to recommend an individual whom you believe has a clear commitment to our mission, a demonstrated understanding of the national network, and proven leadership experience, download the documents below and submit the Nomination Form along with all required materials via email to Bill Clifford at bclifford@worldaffairscouncils.org.
 

 
Nominations for directors are due April 19, 2021. The Nominating Committee will review the submissions and recommend individuals for selection to the Executive Committee. Full WACA membership will vote on the slate by May 28, 2021.
WACA is Accepting Applications for Summer 2021 Interns
Applicants to WACA's Summer 2021 Internship must submit a resume and cover letter to Laura Duncan at lduncan@worldaffairscouncils.org by Friday, April 23, 2021. Due to the number of applications we typically receive, we are unable to acknowledge each applicant personally. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted; no phone calls, please. 
April Cover to Cover: The Water Defenders
WACA's Cover to Cover webinar on Wednesday, April 28, at 2:00-3:00 PM ET, features co-authors Robin Broad, Professor of International Development at American University, and John Cavanagh, Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Studies.


At a time when countless communities are resisting powerful corporations—from Flint, Michigan, to the Standing Rock Reservation, to Didipio in the Philippines, to the Gualcarque River in Honduras—The Water Defenders tells the inspirational story of a community that took on an international mining corporation at seemingly insurmountable odds and won not one but two historic victories.
Monday 3/29

World Affairs Council of Charleston hosts Brett Bruen, President of the Global Situation Room, for “A Webinar on Foreign Policy Challenges Facing the Biden Administration.” 

World Affairs Council of Western Michigan hosts author Thomas Lippman for “The Saudi-Arabian- U.S. Relationship: Decades in the Making.” 

International Relations Council (Kansas City) hosts Chef Fernanda Reyes, Taco Naco KC, for “Global Experience: Mexican Cooking Class.” 

Tuesday 3/30

World Affairs Council of Tacoma hosts Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland for “A Conversation With Marilyn Strickland.” 

World Affairs Council Dallas/Fort Worth hosts General Jim Mattis, former Secretary of Defense, for “International Educator of the Year Award: A Conversation with Jim Mattis.” 

World Affairs Council Monterey Bay hosts Frank Hawke, former China Director at Stanford University, for “China’s Development Model: Is it Sustainable?” 

World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh hosts Lina AbiRafeh, Executive Director of the Arab Institute for Women, for “International Women’s Rights in the Arab Region.” 

Montana Council on World Affairs hosts Caitlin Reiger, Australian human rights lawyer, and Georgia Cromarty, Policy Team at the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Australia, for ““Yoo-rrook” – Australia’s First Truth Commission.” 

World Affairs Council of San Antonio hosts Claudia Donoso, St. Mary's University, for “Sex & World Peace.” 

International Relations Committee (Kansas City) hosts Joy Stevenson, Senior Internationalization Officer, University of Missouri-Kansas City, for “And Breath Normally.”

Alabama World Affairs Council hosts Sue Miller, Team Lead at Dexis Consulting Group, for “The Peace Corps at Sixty.” 

Santa Fe Council on International Relations hosts Todd Greentree for “The Korean Peninsula.” 

World Affairs Council of Maine hosts Clifford Gilpin, former President of the World Affairs Council of Maine, for “The End of Globalization?” 

WorldOregon hosts their “WideWorld Virtual Trivia.” 

Wednesday 3/31

World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California hosts Taroub Faramond, President of Women Influencing Health, Education, and Rule of Law, for “U.S. Soft Power in Foreign Policy Series.” 

World Affairs Council of Greater Reading hosts Ambassador (ret.) Charles Ray, member of the Board of Trustees at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, for “Does Africa Matter to the United States.” 

World Affairs Council of Connecticut hosts Yaya Fanusie, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, for “China’s Digital Currency.” 

Vermont Council on World Affairs hosts Professor Robbie Shilliam, Johns Hopkins University, for “Fascism and 21st Century Democracy: A Rastafari Perspective.” 

Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall hosts Jonathan Ward, Consultant and China Expert, and Jack Devine, former Acting Deputy Director of the CIA, for “Russia and China: Preparing America for Our Greatest Challenge.” 

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Henry De Sio, former Deputy Assistant to the President in the Obama White House, to discuss his book Changemaker Playbook. 

The Foreign Policy Association hosts Professor Jeffrey S. Morton, Florida Atlantic University, for “Great Decisions Master Class: The End of Globalization?” 

Thursday 4/1 

World Affairs Council of Orange County hosts Ambassador Scot Marciel, former U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar, for “Myanmar Coup: Democracy Under Threat.” 

World Affairs Council of Houston hosts former military officers and authors Admiral James Stavridis and Elliot Ackerman to discuss their book 2034: A Novel of the Next World War.
 
Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall hosts Kevin Goetz, CEO of Screen Engine/ASI, and Pete Hammond, Deadline Awards Columnist, for “The Impact of COVID-19 on Moviegoing.” 

World Affairs Council of Charlotte hosts Sarah Dawn Petrin, Analyst at the Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, to discuss her new book Bring Rain: Helping Humanity in Crisis.  

International Relations Council hosts Steven Youngblood, Founding Director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, Park University, for “News and Views: Conflict in East Africa.” 

Friday 4/2

Peoria Area World Affairs Council hosts Professor Mark Steinberg, UIUC, for “Russian Utopia: A Century of Revolutionary Possibilities.”