Mission Of The Organization
The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading is the leading educational organization promoting understanding and enlightenment on global issues.
Our Mission is:
To Connect People. To Engage Minds. To Expand Thinking.
We believe engagement promotes understanding and that students are our future and we can make a positive impact on them. It is our sincere belief that there is inherent value in civil, contemplative discussion.
Description Of The Organization
The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading is a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to advocating our community’s awareness of international issues and the common interests we share with the rest of the world.
Activities
- Sponsors monthly luncheons and/or breakfasts
- Sponsors a monthly world affairs Book Club discussion
- Sponsors local World Quest competition
- Sponsors an annual day excursion with a fine dining lunch at a renowned international affairs institution.
- Promotes and subsidizes local high school students at the luncheons
History Of The Organization
The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading was founded in the late 1960’s as the Foreign Policy Group. Originally meetings were held in members’ homes and later at various Universities/Colleges. Since then it has grown in membership as well as breadth of its offerings. Each year approximately 2,000 members, students and friends take part in one or more of the functions available. WAC of Greater Reading has been affiliated with the World Affairs Councils of America since 1967.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is your organization partisan?
We are non-partisan. While the presenters or subjects of individual programs may represent a single point of view, over time we try and balance the presentation programs.
How can I become a member or renew my membership?
That’s easy. Just visit our online membership registration at www.wacreading.org or contact us directly at 610-375-7880
When does my membership become effective?
Your membership and all its benefits will commence as soon as the Council receives your payment. You will then receive monthly newsletters from us by mail as well as e-mail updates on upcoming events.
When does my membership expire?
Membership to World Affairs Council of Greater Reading is for one full year.
Are there different types of membership?
There are three types: Individual, Family and Ambassador. Individual ($50) allows one person the member rate for luncheon. Family ($75) allows any person residing at the address the member rate for luncheon. Ambassador ($275) enables the member to attend all luncheons at no cost, a family member to attend luncheons at the member rate and provides a discounted cost to the ambassador member for the annual excursion, should one be scheduled.
What is the member/non-member cost for events?
The standard non-member rate for luncheons is $30.00 and the member rate is $23.00. The cost for breakfast is $10.00 for all persons. Additionally anyone attending the luncheon and not eating is only charged $10.00.
The student rate for lunch is discounted to $10 as we believe students are our future and we can have a positive impact
Please look at the Get Involved tab for more information.
Is my membership tax deductible?
The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
How is your organization funded?
We are funded by membership dues and individual sponsorships as well as corporate and individual donations.
How can I help the World Affairs Council?
There are many ways. You could be a luncheon sponsor. The World Affairs has special student luncheon pricing to try and have as many high school and college/university students attend as possible. The luncheon sponsorship basically underwrites this effort. Additional, The World Affairs Council is a totally volunteer organization. We are always looking for passionate members to help us in our mission. You could become involved in our WorldQuest program, assist in marketing efforts, help us in our efforts with the various schools or any other of many programs. At one of our events, speak to one of the Board Members to discuss the many opportunities available.
What programs does The World Affairs Council of Reading do?
There are many. Except for the summer months, we have amazing speakers frequently on a national level at our monthly luncheon speaker series, discussing the most timely international issues of the day.
We also hold breakfast discussions on world issues usually with a local community expert.
In addition to this we sponsor:
- Great Decisions, America’s largest discussion program on world affairs
- World Quest, a flagship youth educational program of the national network of World Affairs Council that all local high schools can participate
- A monthly discussion on world events on BCTV
- Many other great programs
Do I need to register for programs in advance if I am a member?
Yes. We are required to give the venue site a member count up to three days before the event. Therefore, we very much appreciate it if you could contact us as soon as you know you are going to an event. We want to assure there is space for you when you arrive at an event.
How do I register for an event?
You can contact us directly at 610-375-7880 or e-mail us at contactus@wacreading.org.