President's Letter; Hunger Ward Film Screening; WACA Climate Week; Star Speakers; AWQ; WACA's Engage America; Cover to Cover; Council Highlights; and more!
Note: Starting next week through April 23, all WACA communications will be limited to WACA programming. April 12-16 will featured AWQ and April 19-23 will feature WACA Climate Week 2021.
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Dear Council Colleagues and Friends:
Collaboration is the name of the game: it's the secret sauce that has sustained us and World Affairs Councils nationwide during the past year of COVID-19, and it will continue to see us through the pandemic and beyond.
WACA is delighted to partner with individual Councils to bring major programs to the entire network. We team up with WAC Charlotte tomorrow (Tuesday) to present the outstanding Hunger Ward documentary on the crisis in Yemen, followed by a discussion with NYT columnist Nick Kristof and the film’s director Skye Fitzgerald. This follows co-sponsorships with WAC Atlanta last month (video: Atlanta Fed CEO Raphael Bostic on central banks and the post-COVID economy) and Los Angeles WAC & Town Hall in February (video: Bill Gates and Don Cheadle on tackling the climate crisis).
Later in April, we delve deeper on what many see as the number-one threat to all beings: WACA Climate Week is a special 5-day program in collaboration with four other Councils (see below). We will continue with such packages in the coming months, with focused virtual programs on NATO, the future of democracy, and more. These will point the way to the in-person WACA 2021 National Conference, November 16-19, at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.
But before all that, the greatest example of collaboration this year centers on the Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2021 Academic WorldQuest National High School Competition on Saturday, April 17 (and the preceding “Countdown to AWQ Week.”) When the novel coronavirus began to dominate our lives and the news cycle last March, WACA had to cancel AWQ and was in no position to even consider a virtual event. Thanks to 40 Councils which, against all of the technical complications managed to host or send teams to local AWQ competitions, WACA’s staff has benefited from incomparable advice and observed AWQ experiences across the country.
These Councils – and our AWQ Task Force on the WACA Board – not only have stepped up to support the students, but they also have devoted energy and time to sharing best practices amongst themselves and with WACA so that we prepare as well as possible for the national competition.
Please note that for the fortnight from next Monday – as we work together to deliver AWQ Week and WACA Climate Week, the national office will pause publication of our Weekly Newsletter and Weekly World News Update. In their place will be daily e-blasts of these two incredible weeks of programming.
Thank you for partnering with us and for future collaborations that will strengthen the Council network.
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Bill Clifford
President and CEO
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HUNGER WARD Documentary and Dialogue with Nicholas Kristof and Filmmaker Skye Fitzgerald
Tomorrow, April 6, at 7:00 PM ET
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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.
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Register for WACA's Climate Week Virtual Series!
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The World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to present WACA Climate Week 2021 — five days of virtual programming April 19-23 that will convene high-caliber global and local experts on this most critical issue facing our world.
Visit our dedicated website for more event details. Stay tuned for new speaker updates!
NOTE: Separate registration is required for each and every program in this special series.
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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
"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 Council of Pittsburgh
An Earth Day conversation featuring Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University
Friday, April 23 | Time TBA
World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana
Speaker Topic TBA
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Special Thanks to the Principal Sponsor of WACA Climate Week:
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Star Speakers Around the Network
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John Hope Bryant
CEO of Operation Hope
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Victor Cha
SVP, Korea Chair, CSIS
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Tom Colicchio
Top Chef Lead Judge
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Fiona Hill
Fmr. National Intelligence Official
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Dan Morain
Author and Reporter
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WACA's Engage America Speaker Series
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United States Institute of Peace Speaker Series
How Art Can Propel Peace: Examples From Africa
Tuesday, April 6, at 5:00 PM ET
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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.
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World Health Day Symposium 2021
Wednesday, April 7, 10:00 AM ET
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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.
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April Cover to Cover: The Water Defenders
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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.
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AWQ Current Events Category Update & More!
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The Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2020-2021 Academic WorldQuest National Competition will 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.
Study Guide & Current Events Category Update!
The Study Guide has been updated to reflect the Current Events category. Sources for Current Events will ONLY include WACA's Weekly World News Update (WWNU) newsletters between January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021. View WACA's WWNU newsletters. Download the updated Study Guide.
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!
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Monday, April 12 at 6:00 PM ET | International Labor Organization Program
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Tuesday, April 13 | TBA
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Wednesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM ET | USIP Teachers' Workshop
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Thursday, April 15 at 6:00 PM ET | Early Stage Careers Panel
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Friday, April 16 at 6:00 PM ET | USIP Peace Trail Virtual Tour
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News From International Affairs Forum
WACA thanks Leila Hilal for her dedication as Executive Director of International Affairs Forum (Traverse City) and we wish her well as she continues her advisory work with The Carter Center and in her consulting practice! Leila served as Executive Director of IAF since the Fall of 2019.
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We welcome Jim Bensley as the new Interim Director of IAF! Jim serves as the director of International Services and Service Learning Services at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) in Traverse City, Michigan. He is responsible for internationalization of the curriculum, development of study abroad opportunities, student focused international events, and academic service learning. Jim was recently appointed interim director of the International Affairs Forum, dedicated to advancing the understanding of the world and its critical issues through education and public dialogue.
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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.
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Call for Nominations to WACA National Board
Nominations Due April 19
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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.
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WACA is Accepting Applications for Summer 2021 Interns
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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.
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DOS Office of Public Liaison Seeks Virtual Event Partners
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Busy planning 2021 outreach events, the Office of Public Liaison is looking to connect with several World Affairs Councils across the country to schedule virtual speaker programs. Last year, over 10 virtual WAC programs took place - featuring speakers such as the Ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Issues and the Acting Special Representative for Global Partnerships, as well as speakers on U.S.-China relations and more. Interested Councils may contact Irina Karmanova at karmanovaI@state.gov.
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Monday 34/5
Naples Council on World Affairs hosts J. Stephen Morrison, Senior Vice President, Global Health Policy Center and Director of CSIS Global Health Policy Center, for “Global Health in the Time of COVID-19.”
Tuesday 4/6
Indiana Council on World Affairs hosts Professor Sangwon Lee, Ball State University, for “Korean Peninsula.”
Cleveland Council on World Affairs hosts Professor Jeffrey Anderson, Georgetown University, and John Austin, Director of Michigan Economic Center, for “Why Rust Belts Matter Around the World.”
Wednesday 4/7
WorldBoston hosts Victor Cha, Senior Vice President and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, for “The Two Koreas.”
Institute of World Affairs (Milwaukee) hosts Abderrahim Foukara, Washington Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera, for “The Middle East.”
Thursday 4/8
Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall hosts Dana Perino, co-host of Fox News’ The Five, and Charity Wallace, founder of Wallace Global Impact, for “Everything Will Be Okay.”
World Affairs Council Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Steven Cook, Enri Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, for “The Arab Spring: 10 Years Later.”
Friday 4/9
World Affairs Council of Hilton Head hosts author Nina Jankowicz, Disinformation Fellow at the Wilson Center, to discuss her book How to Lose the Information War.
Tennessee World Affairs Council hosts Professor Joe Parrot, The Ohio State University, for “China’s Role in Africa.”
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1010 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 516, Washington, DC 20005
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