Stories
World Affairs Council History: The 1990′s
The 1990′s again represented a period of growth for the World Affairs Council. The World Affairs Council office moved from the Madison Hotel, to the corner of 4th and Union, and finally to the new World Trade Center at Seattle’s waterfront. New space allowed for new staff and new programs. In 1990, the World Affairs Council’s International Visitor Program expanded after it received the prestigious “Best in the Nation” Award from the National Council for International Visitors in Washington, D.C. over one-hundred-eight...
read moreWorld Affairs Council History: The 1980′s
During the difficult years of the 1970′s, the shining light of the World Affairs Council was its International Visitor Program (IVP). By the end the 1970′s, IVP was well-established in the national network of organizations hosting visitors. During the decade of the 1980′s, the program became known nationally and internationally for its existence. Since the mid-1980′s, IVP has provided professional itineraries and home hospitality to approximately five-hundred international visitors each year. Over...
read moreWorld Affairs Council History: The 1970′s
After two decades of success, the World Affairs Council was generally acknowledged as Seattle’s premier international organization. A set of circumstances beginning in the early 1970′s changed that, and it was not until recent times that the World Affairs Council regained its former position in the community. A major economic recession, the death of its longtime director, new competitors, and internal divisions similar to those that tore apart U.S. society during the early years of the decade combined to make the continued existence of...
read moreWorld Affairs Council History: The 1960′s
In 1967, the city of Seattle received the prestigious Institute of International Education award for “having welded the component parts of its community into a truly international city extending warmth and friendship to visitors from every corner of the world.” The award citation specifically cited the World Affairs Council and its 16 years of active programming in Seattle. During the 1960s, the World Affairs Council continued to bring top international newsmakers and policymakers to Puget Sound, including such dignitaries as:...
read moreWorld Affairs Council History: The 1950′s
The new World Affairs Council, incorporated on September 12, 1951, quickly established itself as a leading international force in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. In 1958, the World Affairs Council won the Blue Ox Award, given annually by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce to the organization doing “the best job publicizing Seattle during the year.” From its beginning, it has set a precedent for bringing top international and national speakers to the Puget Sound region. During its first year of operation, World Affairs Council members...
read moreYouth Summit: Beyond Islam, Understanding Muslims in Our Communities and Beyond
The Summit was a chance for students to learn more about Muslims at home and abroad by meeting with other youth (middle, high school, and college students) and community members to explore Muslim cultures and understand the larger context of Islam around the world. A special highlight of the day was the opportunity to view parts of the historical Collections and Stories of American Muslims exhibit and hear from a leading scholar on the history of Muslims in America, Amir Muhammad. That evening, participants were invited to join with members of...
read moreYouth Summit: Institutionalized Racism from a Global Perspective
Racism is not new, nor is it unique to America. To bring the lessons of the World War II experience of Japanese Americans into a contemporary and global context, Global Classroom invited middle and high school students to the Youth Summit at Bellevue Community College in March, 2005. The purpose of the summit was to provide a forum for dialogue about racism as it has manifested itself in the U.S. and the world both past and present. The youth explored and compared the treatment of Japanese Americans during World War II and Americans of Islamic...
read moreMy World Affairs Council Story: Barrie & Margaret Austin
The World Affairs Council has offered its members the chance to host international visitors for decades. Hosts have the chance to spend a casual afternoon or evening with international visitors. It is an opportunity to meet new friends and learn about other cultures by welcoming international visitors into your home. The following is an example of individuals affected by this exchange. Barrie & Margaret Austin: One of the first, if not the first, delegation from China to the U.S. included a Dr. Meng Zaou. He was a hematologist and member...
read moreModel UN
The Model United Nations program is a youth simulation of a UN conference. Washington State Model United Nations (WASMUN) delegates convene in a forum to debate critical international issues and develop innovative resolutions. The World Affairs Council Global Classroom program was instrumental in bringing Model UN to Washington State and continues to be supportive of the program. In 2003, the World Affairs Council coordinated the year’s WASMUN. Students negotiated and debated a wide range of topics including: water resources, women and...
read moreMy World Affairs Council Story: Bruce Williams
The World Affairs Council has offered its members the chance to host international visitors for decades. Hosts have the chance to spend a casual afternoon or evening with international visitors. It is an opportunity to meet new friends and learn about other cultures by welcoming international visitors into your home. The following is an example of individuals affected by this exchange. Bruce Williams: My sisters and I remember meeting Anatoly Dobrynin. It was impactful because in those days the Russians were always portrayed as evil people who...
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