The mission of the World Affairs Councils of America is to:

Empower citizens to participate in the national debate on world affairs
Build citizen support for American engagement in the world
Stimulate communities to interact effectively in the global economy
Help people relate their local concerns to global issues
Improve international education locally, nationally, and internationally
Foster international interests in America's young people
Build alliances with counterpart organizations locally, nationally, and internationally
Increase council professionalism by disseminating best practices

The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) and World Affairs Councils were part of the same system from 1918 until the early 1950s. The FPA began informally in the spring of 1918 with a small group surrounding Woodrow Wilson and included journalist Paul Kellogg.  The initial group was concerned that with the end of World War I, Americans would choose an isolationist foreign policy over one of engagement.  By 1947, this vision evolved into one of a national organization based on a network of independent community councils.

In 1986, the National Council of World Affairs Organizations (NCWAO) national office was established in Washington, DC.  This office evolved into the World Affairs Councils of America - a commonwealth of 87 World Affairs Councils serviced by a national office that provides resources, as well as serving as the central agency of correspondence, and information exchange. 

Each year the WACA supports the grassroots development of the council network.  Our national conference allows policymakers to interact with World Affairs Council members in Washington, DC.  Annually, the WACA hosts and works with local World Affairs Councils on the national championship Academic WorldQuest competition.  The WACA also serves an important role representing the council network to the world at large, including foreign diplomats and the US State Department.

While its structure may have evolved since 1918, WACA’s goal of building a vital and diverse constituency within the American public on international affairs remains intact today.

Staff Members                                                 Board Members
1726 M Street NW, Suite 202, Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: (202) 833-4557    Fax: (202) 833-4555
Email: waca@worldaffairscouncils.org