As we approach the end of another remarkable year at the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to you, our members, supporters, and friends for your continued support and commitment to our mission.

2023 has been a year filled with engaging programs, impactful initiatives, and meaningful dialogues on pressing global issues. Our mission to foster global understanding, inspire informed leadership, and connect Charlotteans to the world would not be possible without your generous contributions.

Over the past year, we have:

• Expanded WACC’s Educational Programs: Our efforts to nurture the next generation of global leaders have flourished. We’ve reached 672 middle school, high school, and college students, and 45 educators this year alone, providing them with invaluable insights into international affairs while ensuring that our programs are accessible and inclusive to individuals from all backgrounds.
• Hosted Influential Speakers: We’ve had the privilege of hosting 23 distinguished speakers and experts from around the world, enriching our discussions with diverse viewpoints, while contributing to a more inclusive dialogue on global issues.
• Strengthened International Partnerships: We’ve continued to foster relationships with international organizations such as the American Academy of Diplomacy (AAD), N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation, Una Cox Chapman Foundation, Brookings Institution, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Eric M. Warburg Chapters of the American Council on Germany- Charlotte (ACG Charlotte), and others creating platforms for international education, cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.         
  

However, we need your support to sustain and expand our impact in the coming year. Your tax-deductible donation will directly contribute to:

• Youth and Education Programs: Inspiring the next generation to think globally and act locally. We expect to bring approximately 450 middle and high school students together through WACC’s Global Student Leadership Program in 2024. We also anticipate hosting 230 college students through our “Speaker in the Classroom” programming in Charlotte-area college campuses and increasing the number of students participating in Academic WorldQuest to 110 in 2024. 
• Teacher and Educator Professional Development – Empowering K-12 educators to participate in international conferences, study abroad programs, language courses, and other global education opportunities. Each year, exceptional educators receive a $3,500 Council Scholar Award for their international travels and professional development abroad. They return with valuable insights, enriching their teaching and enhancing the classroom experience. Since 1994, over 140 teachers have benefited from this program.
• Speaker Series and Events: Offering a forum for global conversations and fostering comprehension, all the while broadening accessibility to students, young professionals, and early-career individuals by subsidizing their costs. This enables them to partake in the educational exchange opportunities offered by Council discussions and forums. In 2024, we anticipate featuring a lineup of 35 diverse speakers and organizing over 45 programs to cater to our community’s keen interest in global affairs and current events.
• Global Leadership Development: Equipping leaders with the skills needed to navigate the intricacies of our increasingly interconnected world, shaped by technology, travel, and geopolitics. WACC programs offer real-time analysis of our ever-evolving global landscape, providing businesses with vital economic insights to thrive in international markets. Keep an eye out for announcements on upcoming programs with experts from the world.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. To donate, please visit our website at worldaffairscharlotte.org/donate.Your support is an investment in a more globally aware, informed, and engaged community.

As we approach the conclusion of 2023, we extend our invitation to all of you to partake in a collective moment of reflection. We aim to consider and celebrate the profound significance of the World Affairs Council’s impactful contributions to the realm of education on world affairs. Throughout the year, our dedicated team, partners, and supporters have steadfastly committed to fostering a deeper understanding of global issues, cultures, and interconnectedness among individuals of all ages.

Through a multitude of programs, initiatives, and events, we have strived to bridge knowledge gaps, ignite curiosity, and inspire informed action in the ever-evolving landscape of international relations. As we pause to reflect, we also look forward to the opportunities and challenges that the coming year will bring and the vital role that education on world affairs will continue to play in shaping our collective future.

Your tax-deductible contribution will truly make a world of difference to the Council and to our students, teachers, and the overall community that we serve. Together, we can continue to build bridges, broaden our understanding of the world, and make our world a more connected and better place.

Sending in a check? Mail your check to “Attn: World Affairs Council of Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., CHHS 227, Charlotte, NC 28223”

NOTE: The World Affairs Council of Charlotte (WACC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donations to WACC are tax free to the extent allowed by law. Any and all donations are critical to continuing the Council’s international education mission and impact in the Charlotte community and are greatly appreciated.