Brief Overview of WACC Programs and Events
World Citizen Award Dinner
The World Affairs Council of Charlotte annually recognizes a member of our community who has made a significant impact on our region and enhanced its global standing. Each year, a capacity audience gathers to celebrate and recognize the achievements of the award recipients.
WorldQuest
WorldQuest was created by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte in 1997 as part of its international education outreach initiatives. Today, it has become a signature education program for councils around the country.
Teams from local businesses, community groups, non-profit organizations and higher education institutions compete in this international knowledge competition. Participants answer questions related to current events, geography, international politics, world history and foreign policy.
Speaker Series
Each year, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte recruits internationally renowned government leaders, authors and policy makers for the Speaker Series Program.
Selected speakers present on diverse topics related to global economic crisis, energy policy and climate change, current events, global health, national and global security, foreign policy, public diplomacy and international affairs.
Ambassadors Circle Series
Current and former ambassadors and high-ranking government officials who visit Charlotte share their insights on diplomatic relationships between the United States and nations around the world through the Ambassadors Circle Series.
CEO Series
Leaders from organizations headquartered in the greater Charlotte area and beyond are hosted through the CEO Series program. These key decision-makers share information about their respective companies from a global perspective, the role they play in economies worldwide and their views on financial markets across the world.
Voyagers Club
Through our evening Voyagers Club events, members enjoy wonderful international cuisine (and wine) and lively dialogue in a small-group setting about international issues affecting our city, the state and the world in which we live. Presentations and discussions are facilitated by local and regional experts.
The Magellan Society (Young Professionals of the WACC)
The Magellan Society is a network of internationally-minded young professionals in the Charlotte area committed to engaging in social and educational activities that promote global understanding. We are dedicated to encouraging young adults to “explore the world in Charlotte” through international speaker events, documentary screenings, networking events, happy hours and dining opportunities.
Private Dinner
Throughout the year WACC offers exclusive opportunities for small group discussion time with our renowned speakers, experts and foreign dignitaries at our Private Dinners.
Business Breakfast Series
For a local perspective on the economy, the Business Breakfast Series provides insight from Charlotte-area experts about the impact of global economic and business trends on North Carolina and the Charlotte community.
Travel Advantage Program
Council members participate in international travel opportunities provided through the WACC Travel Advantage Program that include sightseeing, special briefings and “behind the scene” tours presented by political leaders and local experts. Since 2007, the Council has organized trips to:
- Spain
- Cuba
- Morocco
- Italy
- China
- Ireland
- Croatia
- Brazil/Argentina
- Turkey
- Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand
Great Decisions
Co-sponsored together with UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs, the Great Decisions series highlights eight of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. Great Decisions provides background information, current data and policy options for each issue and serves as the focal text for discussion groups.