Programming
The Council provides a number of dynamic venues for information exchange, networking, education and development. Programs, receptions and forums are open to its members, on a preferred basis, as well as the general public and include:
International Breakfast Series
Four International Breakfast programs are offered annually, covering a wide range of topics of interest to the business community and general membership.
Global Connections Lunchtime Series
The Council offers a monthly lunchtime program featuring Maine experts on a variety of international topics. These events are hosted by CIEE in downtown Portland.
Great Decision Dinners
Small group dinners in private homes offer facilitated discussion of a current affairs topic based on a Great Decisions essay prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. This popular event offers networking and discussion in an informal setting.
Signature Programs
Signature Council programs/events offered once a year include WorldQuest and the Annual Meeting and Dinner.
Collaborations
From time to time the Council offers programs co-sponsored with other organizations such as the Maine International Trade Center, the Nature Conservancy, and the Camden Conference. Members also receive invitations to cross-cultural and international events sponsored by other local organizations.
Education Programming
The Council actively supports programming for high school and college students, including teacher workshops and WorldQuest, in which high school teams compete for the opportunity to represent Maine in national competition. With previous support from the Freeman Foundation for more than a decade, the Council has organized seminars on East Asia for middle and high school teachers. Council members moderate the Foreign Policy Association’s “Great Decision Program” for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USM. In addition, high school groups attend many regular Council programs and individual members offer resources to local educators in a variety of settings.
International Visitors Program
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, the Council is the Maine representative hosting foreign leaders on fact-finding visits; providing opportunities for social interaction and discussion with local political, business and educational leaders.
