About the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council
Who we are
Founded in 1979, the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, educational organization.
Our mission is to create and sustain study, discussion, and public participation in international relations—in essence, non-partisan, grassroots education on world affairs.
Our purpose is to help prepare this and the next generation to be more informed citizens of a global power and more effective participants in a global marketplace.
Our guiding principle is that an informed and engaged citizenry must be the foundation for shaping policy in a free society. This is especially true in the domain of foreign policy, where global issues are increasingly complex and international relationships are increasingly interdependent.
The Council is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America (www.worldaffairscouncils.org), a national network of over 90 autonomous councils across the United States.
What we do
Public Policy Programs – monthly programs with renowned speakers with expertise and experience on the most pressing global issues … and an opportunity for you to engage with them directly.
- Ambassadorial Program Series: luncheon programs at the Broadmoor Hotel (4-5 annually), with doors open typically at 11:30 a.m., program at 12:15 p.m., and adjourning by 1:30 p.m.
- Professional Networking Series: late afternoon programs at various downtown venues (4-5 annually), with informal reception typically starting at 5:30 p.m., program by 6:15 p.m., and adjourning by 7:30 p.m.
Secondary School Student and Teacher Programs – an expanding effort to help provide the next generation a better foundation in both global literacy (an understanding of the world around them) and global competence (an ability to interact effectively with those of different backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, belief systems, and languages).
- High School Symposium: an annual full-day program attracting several hundred high school students from across the Pikes Peak Region, with a keynotes speaker or panel, break-out sessions, debates, and discussion groups.
- Academic WorldQuest®: a team competition among high schools, testing students’ knowledge of world affairs. The Council sends the winning team to Washington DC each spring to compete with teams from other councils in a national competition sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America.
- Teacher Workshop: an annual day-long program for area high school teachers, with speakers and resources on important global issues to improve their ability to teach these issues in their classrooms; teachers may also earn professional credit.
- Support for International Affairs Educational Opportunities: The Council also provides financial support for students and teachers to attend Council programs and for local schools to compete in regional and national Model UN programs as well as the annual World Affairs Challenge at the University of Denver.
International Visitors Program – The Committee for International Visitors hosts numerous international visitors to the Pikes Peak Region under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State and other organizations. Participants have the opportunity to host and engage with emerging political, business, and cultural leaders from around the world.
How we’re governed
The Colorado Springs World Affairs Council is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors:
Schuyler Foerster President & CEO
William Berry Vice President - Education
Karen Burghart Vice President - Membership
Paul Eckstein Vice President - Operations
John Gould Vice President – Programs
Constance Anderson Secretary
Fredricka Bogardus Treasurer
T. A. Arnold
Larry Barrett
Judy Casey
Susan Dilloway
Harry Gautsche
Dan Hannaway
Kurt Johnson
Angela Joslyn
Les Keffel
Dan Korleski
Samantha Maytag
Phil McDonald
Steve Recca
David Sacko
Robert Shonkwiler
The Council is ably supported by a part-time Administrator, Sylvia Sedrak, as well as the services of its talented webmaster, Creative Training Concepts.
