The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote an understanding of the world and its people and to engage citizens of Northeast Florida in becoming better informed participants in the global community.
Who Are We
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville is a growing organization with close to 1,000 members, drawing from across Northeast Florida. Our Board of Directors includes community leaders from both the public and private sector. Members value the opportunity to connect with other internationally minded citizens.
Our History
The Council, formed in 1985 as the National Interest Forum, joined the World Affairs Councils of America in 1995. The World Affairs Councils of America is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to educating and engaging Americans on global issues. With more than 90 councils across 40 states reaching more than half a million people a year, it is the largest organization of its kind in the U.S.
The Council has grown from a small organization sponsoring a modest speaker program, held in members’ homes, to reaching thousands of individuals every year through an acclaimed speaker series, educational programming, special events and an expanding network of young professionals.
In 2005, the Council received the World Affairs Councils of America President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement, awarded annually to Councils that have shown extraordinary innovation, growth, outreach and impact. In 2012, the University of North Florida presented the Council with the Presidential Medallion, in recognition of exemplary service and outstanding commitment to the University of North Florida and higher education. In 2017, the Council was recognized by the Jacksonville Business Journal as an Innovator in Education for Great Decisions, improving the education sector and positively impacting the lives of learners, young and old.
What We Do
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville’s two flagship speaker series are the Global Issues Evenings and Global Business Luncheons, which examine critical current topics with guests who provide more “light than heat.” The Council also provides educational programs for students and teachers across the First Coast. Additionally, the Council offers unique international travel opportunities to worldwide destinations with access to experts who provide behind the scenes views and briefings.
Funding
Membership dues, contributions, grants, program sponsorships, and planned gifts provide the funding to support our programs and services, opening up a world of information.
Newsletter
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville publishes a monthly newsletter, Dialogue, updating members on key Council happenings.