Council of the Month for February:

WAC Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Having recently navigated the challenge of launching a new and improved website, WACA is keeping an eye out for member Councils that are taking on such a big challenge. We  recognize World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as our Council of the Month to highlight their world-class website and re-branding.

In partnership with one of the Council's vital sponsors, Dover Corporation, and its global marketing firm, DeanHouston, the Council came up with a winning formula. WAC Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky's blog posts celebrate inclusive branding and the launch of their new name and logo reveals a deliberate process worth noting.

"DeanHouston stepped up with an investment of time and expertise to advise the Council leadership through a name change, new logo, messaging, marketing tools, and website. As a small nonprofit organization leading global education efforts, connecting local business and family to world leaders, and creating a culturally aware and informed community, our online and outward presence has shifted to meet the needs of today's society," said Michelle Harpenau, Executive Director. "What you see today came out of this process to better share our story." And what a story it is!

Congratulations, SQCC Grant Recipients!

The World Affairs Councils of America congratulates the eight Councils that will participate in the WACA Engage America Series: Oman 2018. Following a very competitive application process, the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC), selected the following organizations for grant funding:

• Columbia World Affairs Council
• Savannah Council on World Affairs
• South Dakota World Affairs Council
• World Affairs Council of Albuquerque
• World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
• World Affairs Council of New Hampshire
• World Affairs Council of San Antonio
• World Affairs Council of Western Michigan

The Oman 2018 program series will feature SQCC experts on U.S.-Oman relations, and a presentation of the country's contributions to business, trade, investment, culture, and education. 

*Council Leaders: The application process for WACA grant funding for the Future of Korea 2018 program will open later this week. Stay tuned!

February Cover to Cover: The End of Epidemics

Somewhere in nature, a killer virus is boiling up in the bloodstream of a wild animal, preparing to jump to a human being. This not-yet-detected germ has the potential to wipe out millions of lives over a matter of weeks or months. That risk makes the threat posed by ISIS, a ground war, a massive climate event, or even the dropping of a nuclear bomb on a major city pale in comparison. 

In The End of Epidemics, Dr. Jonathan Quick, Harvard Medical School faculty member and Chair of the Global Heath Council, examines the eradication of smallpox and devastating effects of influenza, AIDS SARS, and Ebola. Analyzing efforts to contain these diseases and citing firsthand accounts of failure and success, Dr. Quick proposes a new set of actions which he has coined, "The Power of Seven," to end epidemics before they begin.  

Register for the call

Join us for February's Cover to Cover on Tuesday, February 13, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

March

Chuck Freilich will discuss his book, Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change, on the day of its release, March 1, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

April

Madiha Afzal will discuss her book, Pakistan Under Siege: Extremism, Society, and the State on Wednesday, April 18, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

February KNOW NOW - Amb. Yates on Sudan

Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates recently traveled to Sudan, where she had served as U.S. Interim Chargé d'Affaires (2011-2012). Previously, she served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana (2002-2005). While US Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi (1999-2002), Yates worked to bring stability with the Burundian peace process, led by former South African President Nelson Mandela. She also served in Kinshasa, Zaïre (now Democratic Republic of the Congo), as a political officer and then public affairs counselor in the early '90s during the genocide in neighboring Rwanda.

Register for the call

Join Derrick Olsen, President of WorldOregon, for a discussion with Ambassador Yates about the state of Sudan on Tuesday, February 20, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

FPA Student Essay/Video Competition

What is America's biggest challenge in the world? 

If you're a high school student, you're invited to submit either an essay or a video on this question.

Deadline for submissions: 

March 1, 2018. See more details.

Great Decisions Teacher Training Institute

The Great Decisions Teachers Institute is a once in a lifetime opportunity for high school educators to immerse themselves in some of America's biggest foreign policy challenges and build their skills in teaching international affairs. For four days, teachers from across the United States, Mexico, and Canada will attend lectures presented by experts and policy makers, interact with teaching colleagues, and acquire new teaching resources and curriculum ideas. See the flyer.

To apply, all applicants are required to complete the application questionnaire.  The questionnaire can be accessed here, or by visiting www.fpa.org/institute/. 

High school educators nationwide are invited to apply by March 16, 2018. All applicants will be notified by April 13, 2018.

If you have any questions in regards to the application or the Great Decisions Teachers Institute, please email teachers@fpa.org, or call the Foreign Policy Association at 212-481-8100 x250.

Academic WorldQuest 2018

Information for the 2017-2018 Academic WorldQuest program is now available!

This year's AWQ Study Guide is now available, along with more information about The Carlos and Malu Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition, to be held Saturday, April 28, 2018.

This year's AWQ National Competition will feature a welcome reception at the United States Institute of Peace on 

Friday, April 27. For topics, Study Guide, 

and more, click here.

Sponsored by: United States Institute of Peace

Councils Are Hiring!

World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is conducting a search for its new executive director. See the job announcement.

Global Minnesota is also hiring. See the posting for their new Corporate and Foundation Giving Officer.

Global I.Q. Minute with Jim Falk

In this episode of World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth's Global I.Q. Minute, Graham Allison, respected naitonal security analyst and defense guru, discusses his book, Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides's Trap?, with WAC Dallas/Fort Worth President and CEO, Jim Falk. Listen now.