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“A well informed electorate is a prerequisite to democracy.”
Thomas Jefferson

Meet and learn from the people who shape our world

As a World Affairs Council member, you join a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about expanding international awareness. Members participate in world class events featuring speakers who provide the stories behind the headlines as well as special receptions and gatherings.

As a member you will have the opportunity to build relationships with other liked minded individuals and professionals that are in the local international affairs community. Your membership is valuable in supporting World Affairs Council programming and student outreach in the community.

Events

Global Analysis with Ambassador Michael McFaul

Date:

Fri Apr 17, 2026 - 6:00 pm

Location:

Social Science Lecture Hall 100, Campus Drive, Irvine, CA, USA

Join the World Affairs Council of Orange County for an evening with Ambassador Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Stanford University professor, and one of America’s most respected voices on democracy and global affairs. At a moment when international ...

Partner Event: Connect with Anyone, Anywhere: Power of Photography

Date:

Fri Apr 17, 2026 - 7:00 pm

Location:

1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach CA 92660

This is a partner event with The Library Foundation of Newport Beach. Use Discount code "WACOC" upon registration. Connect with Anyone, Anywhere: Power of Photography Friday, April 17, 7:00pm Saturday, April 18, 2:00pm Annie Griffith One of the first women ...

Partner Event: The Iran War: What We Know, What Comes Next

Date:

Mon Apr 20, 2026 - 5:00 pm

This is a partner event with WorldNow With the U.S. and Iran now in open conflict and the world’s energy supply under threat, the stakes could not be higher – or more uncertain. Join us on WorldNow with Jim Falk as we ...

Partner Event: Dialogue During a Time of Disruption: Immigration in Transition

Date:

Tue May 5, 2026 - 11:30 am

Location:

UCI Beall Applied Innovation @ the Cove, 5270 California Ave # 100, Irvine, CA, USA

This is a partner event with UCI What should the future of immigration look like in the United States? This timely conversation brings together two leading voices in immigration policy who, despite differing viewpoints, share a commitment to respectful dialogue ...

Thank you to our Supporting Partners

Join the WAC of Orange County

The World Affairs Councils of America was founded in 1918.

It is the largest nonprofit international affairs organization in the United States.

Get to know us

Impacting American Foreign Policy

Engaging thought leaders, change-makers, and citizens to share ideas, learn from each other, and effect change.
The World Affairs Councils of America is the largest non-profit grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to educating and engaging Americans on global issues with 94 councils across 40 states reaching more than half a million people a year.

Welcome to Orange County’s Premier Forum
on World Affairs

Cultivating Political Discussion

We are part of the World Affairs Councils of America, a nonprofit and nonpartisan national organization based in Washington, DC. See what’s happening around America.