PROGRAMS OVERVIEW

To achieve our mission, the Rhode Island Council hosts a number of
programs in cooperation with individuals, corporations, universities,
and local and federal government:

Distinguished Speaker Dinner Programs
For the past 72 years, during our Dinner Meetings, we have had the privilege of listening to America's top opinion makers from Think Tanks, Government Agencies, Senators, Congressman, Ambassadors, Universities, International Organizations and distinguished speakers from all over the world. These meetings give our members the opportunity to interact with our speakers and participate in a lively question and answer period.

Meetings are held once a month during the school calendar year.

Executive Breakfast and Luncheon Forums
These events take place several times a year for the business community providing executives an opportunity to interact directly with those major players in different parts of the globe.

These forums promote free exchange of ideas on government, global politics and business in different countries.

Student Lecture Speaker Series
They serve to inform college students about current world situations by bringing speakers to students in order to learn, discuss and debate world topics.

The Great Decisions Series
The Council sponsors adult and student discussion groups from September through June to explore eight topics of prime interest in international affairs. The program materials are prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. These study groups are held prior to our speaker/dinner meetings in small groups of 12-30 participants and are free to paid meeting attendees..

International Visitors Program
As part of our affiliation with the National Council for International Visitors, the Council plays host to notable visitors from countries from all over the world by assisting them with professional appointments and offering local hospitality. The State Department, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, invites the visitors to further their education in specific fields in the USA. Many of the visitors have gone on to become Prime Ministers, Ambassadors or important political figures in their countries. To date, 226 former participants in the Visitors program became Prime Minister or President of their county. For example: Prime Minister Tony Blair, England, President Valery Giscard DíEstaing, France, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Germany, President Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan, President Mwai Kibaki, Kenya, Prime Minister Indira Ghandi, India, President Anwar Sadat, Egypt, President Carlos Mesa, Bolivia,

Foreign Travel
In conjunction with affiliated World Affairs Councils, group tours of foreign countries are offered. Some details are at www.wacphila.org/travel/

As a member you are eligible to attend our National Conference and apply for leadership missions and overseas trips that our National Office sponsors.

International Visitor Leadership Programs hosted by Kate Greene, World Affairs Council of Rhode Island: OCTOBER 1, 2006-SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

Other Programs
Through our National Office or other independent organizations promoting world affairs, we participate in unique contests, book tours or special events