What's a WACC?

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte, or WACC, as it's more affectionately known, started as an outreach initiative of the Office of International Programs and is now an independent 501(c)3. Today, they collaborate with UNC Charlotte on many initiatives to raise awareness of international trends and issues. Programming and education are key components of their efforts. It's the beginning of a new year and time for introductions, so here's an overview of ways you can get involved with WACC followed by a bit of trivia similar to what you might find in their annual trivia competition.

WACC brings Ambassadors, authors, legislators, business leaders and international aid leaders to Charlotte for business breakfasts, community lunches and most relevant to us, the UNC Charlotte International Speaker Series. In the fall 2009 semester, we'll hear from authors Haleh Esfandiari ( My Prison, My Home: One Woman's Story of Captivity in Iran), Daniel Griswold (Mad About Trade: Why Main Street America Should Embrace Globalization)and Gretchen Peters (Seeds of Terror: How Heroin is Bankrolling the Taliban and al Qaeda).

Networking opportunities are available for young professionals (21-40) through The Magellan Society. On October 15 a group will meet at Pura Vida for a book-club-esque discussion of Rory Stewart's account of his walk across Afghanistan in The Places in Between.

In Spring 2009, WACC collaborated on a young professionals career panel. The feedback from the presentation was positive so we're looking to again host 3-4 young professionals who can provide insight and advice on those next few years after college and in the "real world."

And, should you be interested in building your resume with experience in international education and non-profit management, WACC offers several internship opportunities each semester and through the summer. Get inside programming strategies, learn marketing tips, support fundraising initiatives and network, network, network!

Last, but absolutely not least, is WorldQuest, the international trivia competition alluded to earlier. The event for high schools is held in November and the community is invited to compete in the spring. Over 20 teams of eight players answer questions from a range of subjects including Geography, Flags, Current Events, History, Famous Faces, International Art and a grab-bag of questions in Global Potpourri.

For example:

Question 1: Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September in the U.S. and Canada. A similar recognition takes place in many other countries on May 1st under what name?

A)International Day of Labour
B)Global Workforce Celebration
C)International Workers' Day

Question 2: When was the first Labor Day celebrated in the U.S.?

A)September 7, 1959
B)September 5, 1882
C)September 1, 1902

Answers (1-C, 2-B)

For more information on these programs, to RSVP for The Magellan Society discussion or to get involved, contact WACC at 704-687-7762 or info@worldaffairscharlotte.org.

Enjoy the long weekend!