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 other programming
• 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.

Get Involved

You will belong to an organization which provides the opportunity to:

• • Be involved with monthly luncheon and other programs featuring recognized presenters who provide key information and insight into international issues.
  • Engage in Great Decisions, a program that focuses on contemporary global topics.
  • Annually visit organizations actively involved in international affairs, including Embassy’s, United Nations and Foreign Policy Councils.
  • Join the Sam Dewald Book Club for roundtable discussions on books dealing with international affairs.

In addition the organization provides:

• • Annual Academic World Quest, a high school competition; the winner competes nationally in Washington, DC.
  • Alan Miller Scholarships to high school students who plan on majoring in International Relations, Political Science or Public Administration.
  • High schools and colleges on-site discussions with luncheon presenters.
  • High schools with a weekly “What in the World” quiz on current international events used for classroom topic discussion.
  • A website (wacreading.org) and emails containing upcoming Council/community program and event information.
  • A monthly newsletter with distribution in excess of 700 persons and organizations.
  • A resource to the local media, including newspapers, radio, and television.
  • A monthly television program which features discussion on global issues.
  • Cooperation with local colleges and universities to sponsor World Affairs Clubs.
  • Internship options for local college students majoring in international related courses.
  • The opportunity for sponsors to underwrite student admission to programs.

Community Strength

You will be part of an organization:

• • With convening power among local businesses, colleges and universities, high schools and public organizations.
  • That provides comprehensive, factual, global information to the greater Reading community utilizing multiple media sources.
  • Is governed by a volunteer community, representative Board of Directors.

Recognized and Trusted Affiliate

• • The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading has been recognized by the World Affairs Councils of America as an active member affiliate.
  • Received recognition from the National World Affairs Council as a leader volunteer organization
  • Provided non-partisan programs and presentations to the Greater Reading community from national/global recognized leaders for over 60 years.

60 years and our growth continues

Membership Fees:

• • Benefactor @ $600
    Providing support for the organization over and above all other categories. Benefits are the same as the Ambassadors.
  • Ambassador @ $400
    Enables the member to attend all luncheons at no cost, permits a family member to attend luncheons at the member rate.
  • Family @ $125
    Allows the member rate for luncheons and other events for 2 family members residing at one address.
  • Individual @ $75
    Allows the member rate for luncheons and other events for one person.

Frequently Asked Questions