World Affairs Council of Central Illinois (WACCI)

Ambassador Edward O’Donnell retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2007 after a 33-year career in foreign service. He spoke to Community Voices about his experiences serving in Latin America, German-speaking Europe and senior positions in Washington D.C. He also shared his insights on the Panama Canal, U.S. tariff strategies, the rise of antisemitism and more.

Jacob Laurenzana is a senior at the University of Illinois Springfield. He received a scholarship from the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois to attend the World Affairs Council of America's National Conference in Washington D.C. November 19-22. He spoke to Community Voices about his experience at the conference and why being informed about international affairs is valuable. To learn more about the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois click here.

The World Affairs Council of Central Illinois is a civic organization dedicated to educating the public about U.S. foreign policy, global economic and environmental issues, and international politics. It has an upcoming program on Nov. 13, titled “Building Global Agricultural and Rural Capacity: Experiences from Brazil and Surrounding Countries," featuring Dr. Colby Silvert. Silvert spoke to Community Voices about his upcoming presentation, how he developed an interest in global agriculture and what he observed during his time in South America and Africa.For information about the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois visit: https://mywacci.org/

The World Affairs Council of Central Illinois will host Ambassador Daniel Fried at their upcoming Sept. 25 meeting. The public is welcome to attend the presentation titled "Poland: An In-Depth Conversation." Ambassador Fried spent more than forty years in the Foreign Service and played a key role in designing and implementing American policy in Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union. WACCI President Joyce Nardulli spoke to Community Voices about the presentation and why it's important for the public to know about foreign affairs.For more information visit: https://mywacci.org/

Charles Ray retired from the US Foreign Service in 2012 after a 30-year career in which he served as ambassador to both Cambodia and Zimbabwe. He spoke to Community Voices about Blueprints for a More Modern US Diplomatic Service which makes recommendations on how to improve weaknesses in US diplomacy. He also explained what American diplomats do in the day-to-day and his insight into leadership and life-long education.

The World Affairs Council of Central Illinois presents The United States and Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities. Ambassador John F. Maisto’s…

Speaker: Konstantinos Kourtikakis, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignThe European Union is surrounded by…

Event Date: April 9Reception 5:30 p.m.; Dinner 6:15 p.m.; Program 7:30 p.m.Program: Brookens Auditorium, University of Illinois at SpringfieldDinner &…

Event Date: March 27Reception 5:30 p.m.; Dinner 6:15 p.m.; Program 7:30 p.m.Program: Conference Room C/D, University of Illinois at SpringfieldDinner &…

Event Date: February 5Reception 5:30 p.m.; Dinner 6:15 p.m.; Program 7:30 p.m.Program: Student Union, University of Illinois at SpringfieldDinner:Student…