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About the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is a private, non-profit, non-partisan educational organization dedicated to informing and engaging people of all ages on matters of national and international significance. Established in 1949 as a forum for discussing differing points of view, the Council does not endorse candidates for public office or lobby for policies. Membership is open to all who share its principles. The Council currently serves more than 75 corporate members and their executives, and nearly 3,000 individual members.

Council President Claudia McBride ext. 232

Vice President Margaret Lonzetta ext. 208

Education and Public Programs

The Council plays a pivotal role in education in the region. For almost five decades, the Council has sponsored a nationally acclaimed world affairs education program that has become a staple part of the curriculum of major school districts in southern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and northern Delaware. Each year, as many 20,000 students and teachers from more than 200 elementary and secondary schools make use of extensive resource material, guest speakers, conferences, lectures, simulation programs, and field trips provided by the Council.

As one of the top public policy forums in the nation, the Council also offers a diverse series of more than 30 informative programs each year, enabling members to see, hear, and question some of the most influential people of our time. Council programs also provide members with opportunities to network while discussing relevant issues of the day.

Dana Devon	Vice President of Education and Public Programs	ext. 229
Denise Bala	Public Program Manager	ext. 227
Arlene Kaufman	Associate Director of Public Programs	ext. 235
Amy Schlosberg	Associate Director of Education	ext. 207
Cecilia Ramirez	Program Liaison, Bodine HSIA	ext. 234 (215-351-7057/Bodine)

Membership and Development

Whether you're a student, a business professional or an individual with a keen interest in the news and the world around you, you'll discover the World Affairs Council to be one of the best ways to fulfill those interests. Membership at all levels gives you access to the most influential figures of the national and international scene, as well as opportunities to develop social and professional contacts through networking.

Shoshanna Wiesner

Membership Coordinator

ext. 222

Travel

The Council also has been offering tours to members and cooperating Councils for more than 30 years. These trips offer all the highlights of touring, as well as access to political leaders and other local experts who give the behind-the-scenes views and briefings that make our trips unique. Many of our tours feature leaders such as career diplomats and journalists who share their expertise with our travelers. WACA has designated the Travel Program as a national Flagship program of excellence.

Joan Russell	Director of Travel	ext. 209
Shoshana Altrichter	Travel Coordinator	ext. 217

Operations and Corporate Relations

Denise Diorio McVeigh	Director of Operations and Corporate Relations	ext. 225
Denise Sanders	Administrative and Financial Coordinator	ext. 200
Gail Nelson	Coordinator	ext. 231

Communications and Foundation Relations

Siobhán Lyons	Director of Communications and Foundation Relations	ext. 214
Mari Steed	Director of Technology and New Media	ext. 228

Finance

Mitchell Abrams

Director of Finance

ext. 210