CONNECTING MAINE AND THE WORLD…
…ONE CONVERSATION AT A TIME!
Connecting Maine and the world, one conversation at a time!
Our Mission
The World Affairs Council of Maine highlights, celebrates, and strengthens international connections between Maine and the world. Our programs promote understanding of world events, enhance global literacy, and support U.S. public diplomacy. We are a non-partisan, non-profit educational organization open to Mainers and Maine residents of all ages, backgrounds, and in all parts of the state.
Our Impact
World Affairs Council of Maine connects with hundreds of students, educators, community leaders, and individual members each year. We provide Mainers with local access to credible information on world events, create opportunities to build connections across cultures, expand professional networks, and develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of our complex and interconnected world. We also support U.S. public diplomacy initiatives that bring emerging global leaders to Maine for professional development and cultural exchange.
We welcome you to view the impact of our work on Maine and global communities in our 2023 Annual Report!
Program Highlights
World Class Speakers
Our speaker programs, including the Fall Foreign Policy Forum, Governor’s International Breakfast, and “Weeknight Webinars” offer Mainer’s first hand access to world class experts on critical global issues and U.S. foreign policy. These programs offer the opportunity to engage with thought leaders and connect with fellow community members who share a passion for international affairs and open dialogue.
Outreach & Education
Through our weekly world news round-up, interactive quizzes, and international resource directory we offer educators, parents, and students engaging resources to stay informed about global events. Throughout the year, we host discussions and dialogue sessions, like Great Decisions, that create spaces for learning and listening within our community. By participating, students and educators join a diverse, globally conscious network that enhances learning and encourages curiosity about the world.
Public Diplomacy
Through the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), we build relationships with emerging global leaders by providing them with a firsthand experience of Maine and the U.S. These visits foster lasting personal and professional connections, enriching our local community and contributing to a more prosperous and globally engaged economy. The World Affairs Council of Maine invites everyone to join our events and programs to help strengthen these valuable international ties.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Global Stakes with Local Ties: Diverse Perspectives on the Election and Foreign Policy
Join us October 24th for our third, annual Fall Foreign Policy Forum: Global Stakes with Local Ties. This year, the forum will highlight the global stakes of the 2024 Presidential Election by invitating a group of Mainers with diverse perspectives to share their thoughts on the impact the outcome could have for different parts of the world. The program includes a keynote by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, introduced by Maine State Legislator Deqa Dhalac; a panel discussion featuring Tae Chong, Eisha Khan, Julia Trujillo Luengo, Mike Rurenza Mfashingabo, and Sarah Dawn Petrin as moderator. City Concilor Pious Ali will offer closing remarks.
Thank you to our sponsors!
