About Us
Vision
We envision an inclusive and informed community that is inspired to create a just and equitable world.
Mission
To advance global understanding and cultivate enduring relationships within our local community and with the world, one conversation at a time.
About Us
The World Affairs Council of Seattle, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, advances global understanding and engagement throughout the Puget Sound region. Since its founding in 1951, the Council has long dedicated itself to fostering dialogue and debate about critical global issues. This is achieved through public events, Global Classroom programming for K-12 educators and students, and diplomacy initiatives that engage international delegations with our community. It is a fundamental formula that works well but is highly adaptable, allowing the Council to reach a large cross-section of Seattle with a wide range of topics. Our platform connects civic, academic, corporate, and individual members around world issues. We are part of a vibrant global city; our work ensures that Seattle is visible, engaged, and globally aware.
Statement of our views on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
Since 1951, the World Affairs Council has strived to cultivate understanding across divides by bringing our local community opportunities to engage with people from around the world. The importance and urgency of that work has never been greater, abroad and at home. As our nation more seriously attempts to address widespread social injustice, we have joined with others in the community and around the country to face the racism that has always been a part of American society. We acknowledge our individual, organizational, and national role in sustaining unjust practices and recognize it is our time to live up to our nation’s founding ideals by extending without exception equality, dignity, and value to all. We must confront the impact of structural and institutional racism in our own work. While diversity and inclusion are values we have long supported, we have not always lived up to them.
Carrying out our mission authentically must start with respecting and celebrating diversity within the World Affairs Council’s team. We are committed to building a more diverse staff and board that thrives in an inclusive and equitable workplace. We recognize and embrace the diversity of the global cultures and traditions of our staff, board, members, international visitors, and the community, acknowledging histories, lived experiences, and systems that impact the people and communities we serve. We are centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our strategic planning and committing resources to strengthen our team and to engage with more members of our community whose voices we have marginalized. There is much to do but this overdue work will allow us to better fulfill our mission.
Values that guide us as an organization
Integrity
Acting responsibly and honestly – with our staff, in our community, and for our international visitors – builds trust and allows everyone to be their authentic selves.
Empowerment
Learning together informs constructive action.
Diversity
Our understanding of the world deepens when we are exposed to different views and lived experiences.
Engagement
Authentic exchange of ideas and experiences makes the world more inclusive.
Feedback
We welcome your input, comments, and feedback on our mission, our programming, our communications, and the other aspects of our work. Email us here.
Annual Reports
World Affairs Council Annual Report 2018
World Affairs Council Annual Report 2017
World Affairs Council Annual Report 2016
World Affairs Council Annual Report 2015
World Affairs Council Annual Report 2014
Forms 990
World Affairs Council IRS Form 990 2022
World Affairs Council IRS Form 990 2021
World Affairs Council IRS Form 990 2020
World Affairs Council IRS Form 990 2019
World Affairs Council IRS Form 990 2018
World Affairs Council IRS Form 990 2017
World Affairs Council IRS Form 990 2016
World Affairs Council IRS Form 990 2015
World Affairs Council IRS Form 990 2014
Reviewed Financial Statements
World Affairs Council Financial Statement 2020
World Affairs Council Financial Statement 2019
World Affairs Council Financial Statement 2018
World Affairs Council Financial Statement 2017
World Affairs Council Financial Statement 2016
World Affairs Council Financial Statement 2015
For more information on World Affairs Council finances, or to get copies of our 501(c)3 Determination Letter or Conflict of Interest Policies, please contact Finance Director Julie Kageler at jkageler@world-affairs.org.