The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville, through its members’ dues and sponsor’s contributions, makes a significant investment in several student education initiatives.  Each of those initiatives is designed to contribute to global awareness, an appreciation of diversity and to prepare the youth of our community for future leadership roles.

One of the Council’s education programs is Great Decisions.  Great Decisions consists of eight current issues topics outlined in non-partisan articles and supported by companion videos.  The program, developed and annually updated by the Foreign Policy Association, is the longest-standing and largest grassroots world affairs educational program of its kind.  The 2007 topics are:  International Migration, South Africa , Central Asia, War Crimes, Children, Mexico , Global Warming, and the Middle East .

For the past three years, the Council has partnered with the University of North Florida to offer the program as an after-school enrichment program to students at five area high schools.  The program is facilitated by a UNF faculty member.  The program concludes with the students participating in a Crisis Management Exercise which is designed to provide an experience in making decisions about a complex foreign policy challenge.  The demand for the program at each high school has increased every year.

Beginning in the 2007-2008 school-year, the Council will expand the program to include two additional universities so that we may reach more students.  The universities and high-schools are as follows:

• Edward Waters College — Ribault High School .  In addition, the College will offer a series for its own students.

• Jacksonville University —The Bolles School , Episcopal High School.

• University of North Florida —Bartram Trails, Nease, Paxon, Sandalwood, Stanton Preparatory.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsors may wish to support one or more specific school (s) or provide support for the program overall.  The cost to conduct Great Decisions program at one high school (for 30 students) is $2,000.  This includes student and faculty materials, a stipend for the university faculty member, and support for the Crisis Management Exercise. 

Sponsors will be invited to:

• Attend the “kick-off” event for the school year.  The Council will host a dinner for participating university faculty and the sponsoring high school teacher; along with Council board members.  The date, time and place are to be determined.

• Observe one of the after-school discussion sessions and/or the Crisis Management Exercise.

Sponsors will be recognized on the Council’s website, newsletter, in press releases regarding the program, and acknowledged at the annual WorldQuest competition which is a fund-raiser for all of our education endeavors.