Welcome to the World Affairs 

Council of Jacksonville

The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, devoted to promoting a broader understanding of world affairs by sponsoring public programs for all ages, fostering discussion of international issues and opportunities, and providing a venue for people to meet others with similar interests.

The Council's mission is to promote understanding of the world and its people and to engage First Coast citizens in becoming informed participants in the global community.

Our Programs

GLOBAL ISSUES FORUM:  

Our flagship program, is a series of evening programs with prominent speakers on a range of international issues.  We partner with UNF's Distinguished Voices series to bring expert resources to Jacksonville.  Each talk is followed by an extended Q&A period.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC FORUM:  

Designed specifically for the business community, this is a series of three luncheon programs which are held at the River Club.  The topics focus on current global economic issues and opportunities.

STUDENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS: 

Our education initiatives are designed to contribute to preparing future leaders of our community and the world.  

• Academic WorldQuest is a contest where teams from area high schools test their knowledge of global affairs and compete for the opportunity to represent Jacksonville at the national WorldQuest in Washington, D.C.

• Great Decisions is an enrichment program focusing on 8 new foreign affairs topics each year offered to high school students in partnership with local universities.  Students also participate in a simulated crisis management exercise to develop decision-making skills.

• World in Transition is a multimedia curriculum resource that covers 8 regions of the world.  Each unit addresses history, geography, politics, religion, culture, health and environment.  The Council sponsors workshops for middle and high school teachers to support their effective use of the materials.

• Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Scholarship This $1,200 academic merit scholarship will be awarded to a sophomore or junior currently attending Edward Waters College, Jacksonville University or the University of North Florida.

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL EVENTS:

These are held for our members and their guests.  They vary from a private reception at an art gallery; to our Ambassador's Circle  Dinner; to WorldQuest (a night of international trivia, dinner and fun), and in-home private receptions with speakers, visiting dignitaries and other's of interest.

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL TRIPS:

These are offered to members from all over the U.S. to over 30 different international locations.

Our Members

The World Affairs Council has over 800 members from all over the First Coast.  We are the many faces and facets of our community: students, teachers, professionals, corporate, government and retirees.  

Our Board of Directors

The World Affairs Council has a Board of Directors comprised of 31 individuals, dedicated to increasing understanding of global issues in our community. Our Board of Directors includes representatives from every sector of Jacksonville’s civic and business communities.

Join Us
The World Affairs Council is a vital hub for civic and corporate leadership in northeast Florida. Contributions, membership dues, grants and program sponsors provide the funding to support our highly acclaimed programs. Your Council membership opens up a world of information and helps support our programming and services to the First Coast community.