Why become a member?

• Explore the many exciting programs our council organizes to engage grassroots discussions of world affairs.
• Get the stories behind the headlines from national and international figures.
• Engage with those in our community who are interested in international affairs and how it affects our lives.
• Join and participate in the World Affairs Council: Education in World Affairs -- Progress through Knowledge.

What are the benefits?

         Increase your knowledge and awareness of international issues.

         Increase your understanding of the global economy.

         Interact with diplomats, scholars, journalists, business professionals, and other international affairs experts at regular dinner programs.

         Attend programs and events with people who have similar interests in international affairs.

         Attend receptions with notable speakers.

         Attend Peoria area and national (Washington, DC) annual conferences focusing on the political, economic, social, and geographic facets of various regions of the world.

         Receive newsletters with articles on international topics and events of this and related organizations.

         Contribute your unique opinions and insights on global matters.

         Participate in the International Scholastic Bowl in Peoria.

         Participate by serving on a committee such as Program, Membership, Marketing, and Finance.

         Receive members eNews.

         Attend the annual Members Appreciation Party.

         Enjoy the Travel the World program with embassy briefings; this is one of the national Flagship Programs of the World Affairs Councils of America.

         Receive discounts on programs and conferences.

         Receive discounts on publications such as Foreign Affairs, Economist, The New York Times, National Geographic, World Policy Journal; and books from Brookings, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and the Council on Foreign Relations.  Ask us for a complete list.

Summary of key programs provided by the Peoria Area World Affairs Council:

Annual Central Illinois World Affairs Conference.  The Peoria Area World Affairs Council brings prominent experts to central Illinois to discuss various global concerns or to focus on the political, economic, social and geographic facets of various regions of the world.

Speaker Series.  The Peoria Area World Affairs Council hosts a variety of dinner programs.  Ambassadors, statesmen, academics, and other professionals address a wide range of international topics in an interactive format.

Great Decisions is a discussion series to study and debate foreign policy issues.  Participants use a briefing book prepared by the Foreign Policy Association.

Educational outreach with area high schools, colleges, and universities.  The Peoria Area World Affairs Council hosts an International Scholastic Bowl with 24 area high school teams.  Winners progress to the national Academic World Quest competition in Washington, DC.  Educational outreach also provides teacher training workshops and curriculum materials to prepare students for their future in the global economy.  The Peoria Area World Affairs Council provides teacher credits (CPDUs and CEUs) for its various programs.