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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T131500
DTSTAMP:20260814T132140Z
CREATED:20260609T000617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T132140Z
UID:8586-1788953400-1788959700@wacreading.org
SUMMARY:Islam: the Basics and Role in Today’s World
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Natana J. DeLong-Bas is Professor of the Practice of Theology and Islamic Civilizations and Societies\, and the Director of the Theology and Interreligious Studies minor at Boston College. Earning her Ph.D. from Georgetown University\, she is an internationally recognized expert on Islam and Christianity\, comparative ethics\, women and gender\, Islamic law\, environmental ethics\, and the Arabian Gulf. \nAs a leading voice in her field\, Dr. DeLong-Bas frequently serves as a consultant to the United Nations\, international media outlets\, governments\, and corporations. She is the Past President of the American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies (ACSIS) and holds several prestigious editorial roles\, including Co-Editor of the Journal of Ecumenical Studies and Editor-in-Chief of both Oxford Bibliographies Online – Islamic Studies and The Oxford Encyclopedia of Islam and Women. \nShe is a prolific author and editor whose notable works include Islam: A Living Faith\, Shariah: What Everyone Needs to Know\, and Wahhabi Islam: From Revival and Reform to Global Jihad. Notably\, Wahhabi Islam was translated into Arabic\, Russian\, and French\, and was named one of the top five books for understanding Islam by The Wall Street Journal. \nClick here now to register for this live event
URL:https://wacreading.org/event/islam-the-basics-and-role-in-todays-world/
LOCATION:McGlinn Conference Center\, 460 Saint Bernardine Street\, Reading\, PA\, 19607\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacreading.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Natara_DeLong-Bas.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T170000
DTSTAMP:20260823T131825Z
CREATED:20260822T134021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260823T131825Z
UID:8674-1789574400-1789578000@wacreading.org
SUMMARY:The Rising Tide of Antisemitism with Abbey Krain\, MSW
DESCRIPTION:Abbey Krain\, MSW is the Philadelphia Deputy Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). She is a graduate of Brandeis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and has a Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She has spent the majority of her career as a synagogue executive director. \nMs. Krain will present a brief overview of the ADL\, findings from the most recent audit of antisemitic instances\, how our society is impacted by antisemitism and suggest ways we can combat hatred toward the Jewish people. \nThe program is free of charge. No advanced registration. Open to the first 120 attendees.
URL:https://wacreading.org/event/the-rising-tide-of-antisemitism/
LOCATION:McGlinn Conference Center\, 460 Saint Bernardine Street\, Reading\, PA\, 19607\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacreading.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/headshot.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T131500
DTSTAMP:20260904T202711Z
CREATED:20260609T001038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T202711Z
UID:8589-1791977400-1791983700@wacreading.org
SUMMARY:Dr. Oya Dursun-Ozkanca on Turkey
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Oya Dursun-Ozkanca is the College Professor of International Studies (Endowed Chair) and Professor of Political Science at Elizabethtown College\, where she also serves as the Director of the Honors Program and the International Studies Minor. An internationally recognized political scientist\, her research expertise spans transatlantic security\, Turkish foreign policy\, the European Union\, the Eastern Mediterranean\, and peace operations. \nA distinguished and prolific scholar\, Dr. Dursun-Ozkanca has authored two recent books\, including Turkey–West Relations: The Politics of Intra-alliance Opposition (Cambridge University Press)\, which was recently translated and published in Turkey. She has also edited multiple volumes on the European Union and civil wars\, and her research frequently appears in leading peer-reviewed international relations journals. Additionally\, she serves on the editorial boards of several academic publications\, including Ethnopolitics and the International Review of Turkish Studies. \nDr. Dursun-Ozkanca’s work has been supported by prestigious fellowships and grants from institutions such as Georgetown University\, the London School of Economics\, the European Commission\, and the Mellon Foundation. In 2021\, she served as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. Highly regarded for her dedication to education\, she has taught at universities across the U.S.\, Turkey\, Poland\, Ukraine\, and Kosovo\, and has received Elizabethtown College’s highest honors for teaching excellence\, outstanding student service\, and research excellence. \nRegister for the webinar        Register to attend live
URL:https://wacreading.org/event/dr-oya-dursun-ozkanca-on-turkey/
LOCATION:McGlinn Conference Center\, 460 Saint Bernardine Street\, Reading\, PA\, 19607\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacreading.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Oya_Dursun-Ozkanca.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261023T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261023T203000
DTSTAMP:20260904T211731Z
CREATED:20260802T125502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T211731Z
UID:8619-1792778400-1792787400@wacreading.org
SUMMARY:Pub Global Trivia 2026
DESCRIPTION:Mike Keller\nHost of WEEU’s Mornings with Mike\n\n\nPub Global Trivia Challenge is Back\nHow smart are you on Global Affairs? \n\n\n\n\n\nTeam registration\n$350 (Max 4 members)\nDeadline: October 1\, 2026\n\n \n\nCheerleader Ticket\n$40 per individual\nDeadline: October 19\, 2026\n\n \n\nFood Included\n• Cash Bar •\n\n\n\n\n\nWorld Affairs Council of Greater Reading\nBringing the World to You\nAn evening of fun with the proceeds benefiting scholarships for outstanding Berks County High School Senior students interested in International Relations\, Political Science\, Public Administration\, and Global Studies. \nScholarships are in recognition of the late Alan Miller\, Esq.\, Longtime World Affairs Board member and former Berks County Solicitor. \n\n \n\nRaffles\n\nCraft Beer\nLiquor\nWine\nGolf\nFitness\n\n\n\n\n\nDate & Location\nOctober 23\, 2026 \nSly Fox\n820 Knitting Mills Way\, Wyomissing \n\n\nSchedule\nBuffet: 5:30 PM \nTrivia: 6:30 PM \n\n\nHow to Join\nRegister a team or purchase cheerleader tickets below. \nSee Registration Options ↓ \n\n\n \n \n\nEvent Sponsors\n$250 – $1\,000+ / tier \n\n\n\n• Platinum: $1\,000\n• Gold: $750\n• Silver: $500\n• Bronze: $250\n• Other financial contributions\n• Sponsor a team: $350\n\n\n\n\n\n \nPowered by \n\n\n \n\n\nTeam Participants\n$350 / team \n\n• Teachers\, corporate execs\, college professors\, young professionals\, friends and family: team up with 3 or 4 adult participants\n• Answer fun\, challenging\, and internationally themed questions\n• Full year of bragging rights as winner in Pub Global Trivia\n\n\n\n\n \nPowered by \n\n\n\n \n\n\nCheerleaders\n$40 / ticket \nIncludes Food! \n\n• Join in an evening of enlightenment and fun.\n• Audience guests are invited and encouraged to cheer on their favorite team.\n\n\n\n\n \nPowered by \n\n\n\n\nTo pay by check or with any questions\nemail us at contactus@wacreading.org
URL:https://wacreading.org/event/pgt-2026/
LOCATION:Sly Fox Taphouse\, 820 Knitting Mills Way (Parking/entry in rear)\, Wyomissing\, PA\, 19610\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T131500
DTSTAMP:20260904T202738Z
CREATED:20260831T195850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T202738Z
UID:8687-1795001400-1795007700@wacreading.org
SUMMARY:Canada with Geoff Gartshore
DESCRIPTION:Geoff Gartshore (BA [History and Political Science]\, University of British Columbia\, 1989; MA [Political Studies]\, Queen’s University\, 1991) joined External Affairs and International Trade Canada in 1991. Among other positions at Headquarters\, he was the director of the United Nations Division from 2012 to 2015\, deputy director of the Human Security Program and a policy coordinator\, Summit of the Americas\, in the Inter-American Division. Positions overseas have included counsellor (political affairs) at the Embassy to Afghanistan (2011 to 2012)\, deputy permanent representative (disarmament) at the Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva (2007 to 2011)\, counsellor (political affairs) at the Embassy to Mexico (2004 to 2007) and consul at the Embassy to El Salvador (1998 to 2000). More recently\, he served as head of the political and economic section at the Embassy in Germany\, and from February 2022 to August 2024 he was Ambassador of Canada to Cuba. In August 2024 he took up his duties as Deputy Consul General of Canada in New York. \nBuffet opens at 11:30 AM. \nMembers- $30.00\nNon-members – $35.00\nStudents – $15.00\nNon-eaters – $10.00 \nRegistration Required
URL:https://wacreading.org/event/canada-with-geoff-gartshore/
LOCATION:McGlinn Conference Center\, 460 Saint Bernardine Street\, Reading\, PA\, 19607\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacreading.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/geoff-gartshore.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261209T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261209T131500
DTSTAMP:20260814T132131Z
CREATED:20260609T001348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T132131Z
UID:8593-1796815800-1796822100@wacreading.org
SUMMARY:Bret Schafer on AI
DESCRIPTION:Bret Schafer is the Senior Director of Policy and Research for Information Operations at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD). A leading expert in state-backed information operations and tech policy\, he specializes in tracking foreign manipulation\, coordinated inauthentic behavior\, and the use of AI in online warfare. \nPreviously\, he served as a Senior Fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy\, where he created the Hamilton 2.0 dashboard to track Russian\, Chinese\, and Iranian state messaging. He regularly advises governments and international organizations\, and his expert commentary is frequently featured in major outlets like The New York Times\, The Wall Street Journal\, and CNN. \nBret holds a Master’s in Public Diplomacy from USC and a B.S. from Northwestern University. Beyond his national security work\, he brings a uniquely global perspective shaped by his past experiences as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow\, a radio host in Budapest\, and a semi-professional baseball player in Germany. \nClick here now to register for this live event
URL:https://wacreading.org/event/bret-schafer-on-ai/
LOCATION:McGlinn Conference Center\, 460 Saint Bernardine Street\, Reading\, PA\, 19607\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacreading.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brett_Schafer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270113T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270113T131500
DTSTAMP:20260904T202752Z
CREATED:20260831T201147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T202752Z
UID:8696-1799839800-1799846100@wacreading.org
SUMMARY:Cuba: What Next?
DESCRIPTION:Carrie Filipetti currently serves as the Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition and as a Wilson Center Distinguished Fellow. Prior to this role\, Carrie served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cuba and Venezuela in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and the Deputy Special Representative for Venezuela at the U.S. Department of State\, for which she received a Superior Honor Award. From 2019-2020\, Carrie also served as the Senior Advisor to the Havana Incidents Task Force\, where she was responsible for coordinating an inter-agency effort to address the causes of unexplained health incidents affecting U.S. personnel\, and identifying proper long-term care mechanisms. Prior to these roles\, Carrie served as a Senior Policy Advisor for the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN)\, where she advised U.S. Ambassador Nikki R. Haley on issues related to counterterrorism\, the Middle East\, and the Western Hemisphere. \nCarrie began her career spending five years at a private family foundation\, where she served as Director of Portfolio Management. Also in her capacity as Director of the Foundation\, Carrie served as a Senior Advisor and co-founder of Start-Up Nation Central\, a Tel-Aviv based non-profit that seeks to connect the world with Israeli innovation. \nCarrie graduated with a degree in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia as both a Jefferson and Echol’s scholar. She currently serves on the board of the National Endowment for Democracy and Fired Up to Help\, a non-profit focused on feeding first responders during local and national emergencies. She previously served as a volunteer EMT for Montgomery County\, Maryland. \nBuffet opens at 11:30 AM. \nMembers- $30.00\nNon-members – $35.00\nStudents – $15.00\nNon-eaters – $10.00 \nRegistration Required
URL:https://wacreading.org/event/cuba-what-next/
LOCATION:McGlinn Conference Center\, 460 Saint Bernardine Street\, Reading\, PA\, 19607\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacreading.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/carrie-filipetti.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270211T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270211T131500
DTSTAMP:20260904T202800Z
CREATED:20260831T200615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T202800Z
UID:8692-1802345400-1802351700@wacreading.org
SUMMARY:Vietnam: Surprises\, Challenges and Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Huy (David) Tran is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Business\, Accounting & Economics at Albright College. Born and raised in Hanoi\, Vietnam\, where he graduated from the National Economics University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics\, he later obtained an M.B.A. from Eastern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Since joining Albright College\, Dr. Tran has researched digital platform ecosystems in the global marketplace and taught courses in Strategic Management\, International Business\, and Innovation and Change Management at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Tran was a member of the editorial review board for the Organization Management Journal. He regularly serves as co-chair of the Strategy and International Management track at the Eastern Academy of Management’s annual meetings. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the World Affairs Council of Greater Reading. \nBuffet opens at 11:30 AM. \nMembers- $30.00\nNon-members – $35.00\nStudents – $15.00\nNon-eaters – $10.00 \nRegistration Required
URL:https://wacreading.org/event/vietnam-surprises-challenges-and-opportunities/
LOCATION:McGlinn Conference Center\, 460 Saint Bernardine Street\, Reading\, PA\, 19607\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacreading.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/huy-tran-e1788206761437.png
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