Democracy demands discourse.
Upcoming events
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Feb 27, 2019
Is Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper the ‘Antidote to Trump’?
As it has in past presidential nominating cycles, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia will be inviting many potential and announced candidates for president in 2020 to visit our podium and lay out their case for why they should be the 46th President of the United States.
Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton
237 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Schedule:
12 p.m. Registration opens
12:15 p.m. Lunch
12:45 p.m. Program
1:45 p.m. Conclusion
Become a Member
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 of Philadelphia to be one of the best ways to fulfill those interests.
Meet world leaders and experts.
The Council is one of the top public policy forums in the nation and offers a diverse series of more than 30 substantive speaker events on a variety of topics each year.
Support the Next Generation.
The Council's nationally acclaimed world affairs youth education and development program has become a staple of the curriculum of major school districts in southern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and northern Delaware.
Travel the World.
When you travel with the Council, you won't just experience the vacation of a lifetime, you'll also meet political leaders and local experts who give behind-the-scenes views and briefings that make our trips unique.
Discover "The Whole Truth."
Half hour episodes of the Council's public television series, which tackles some of the weightiest public affairs issues of our time, focus on global and long-term issues.
Featured Trip
July 13-20
Alaska & the Inside Passage
Cruise aboard the Le Soléal to experience unspoiled islands and fjords and historic gold-rush-era towns. Specially arranged expert lecturers join you on board.
September 07-20
Journey through Britain
Travel from gracious Edinburgh to England’s legendary Lake District; from spectacular Snowdonia to the rural Cotswolds and Roman Bath; ending your journey in cosmopolitan London. Join Dr. Jerry Leach for substantive briefings throughout.
September 11-19
Apulia
Unpack once! See Trulli, limestone houses with conical roofs, and Sassi, ancient cave dwellings still used today. Visit vibrant cities and charming seaside villages, and taste culinary treasures.
September 26-04
Rome to Malta
Discover an intriguing mélange of cultures on this seven-night cruise from Rome to Valletta, aboard the Five-Star, 92-suite LE BOUGAINVILLE, featuring Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Sicily’s storied town of Taormina and Malta.
October 13-20
Understanding the Civil Rights Movement
Our carefully designed program traces the history of this movement which began in 1955. We stop at the major sites of the movement - from Selma to the Little Rock High School - and meet with many of the figures who were involved.
Education Programs
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03 05
2019 Global Economic Forum
The 2019 Global Economic Forum will explore the issues of globalization, automation, and the shifting landscape of the...
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07 08
2018-19 Summer Global Leadership Seminar
The 2019 Summer Global Leadership Seminar is a week-long summer program for high school students titled "The Rise of...
2018-19 High School Membership
Registration for the 2018-19 academic year is now open! A High School Membership gives access to the Council's suite of educational programming, as well as access to the Council's speaker events.
Is American Criminal Justice Just?
Political commentator Tara Setmayer, law professor Paul Butler, and lawyer Rick Jones explore how race and ethnicity have come to factor in Americans’ view of the criminal justice system and how that might change.
The Council in the News
Like a candidate: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon spoke big in Philly
JPMorgan Chase plans 50 Philly branches as other banks close
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"[The Whole Truth is]…a refreshingly thoughtful look at the challenges facing our country and the world. No shouting, no talking over each other; just respectful debate and discussion.”
The Exeter Bulletin
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“When traveling abroad, we like to get the real ‘feel’ of the country through sight, sounds & smells. This trip accomplished all spades! History, architecture, political atmosphere, social situations and seeing the standard of living up close and personal. The music and spirit of the people can only truly be appreciated by being in the country. Many thanks for a wonderful experience!”
Suzanne Simpson, CT
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“[The Whole Truth brings the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s] lecture and discussion series, considered to be a jewel on the political and diplomatic circuit, to a wider audience, one that did not have to be present in a Philadelphia auditorium to partake or participate in often probing debates.”
Delaware County Daily Times
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“This tour was wonderful! Our Cuban guide was one of the best! She knew a lot of history as well as current issues.”
Dianna Jabis, NY
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“The Game Drives were the highlight of this trip. Seeing the large animals in their natural habitats was just spectacular!”
Barbara Weiss, CA