text: About the World Affairs Council of Reading
  The mission of the World Affairs Council of Greater Reading is to create and sustain an intelligent interest in international affairs in Berks County citizens of all ages, and promote their knowledge of world-wide economics, political, and cultural events.
  The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading is a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to advocating our community's awareness of international issues and the common interests we share with the rest of the world.
  Sponsors annual Washington D.C. or NYC bus trip to visit an embassy/mission
  The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading was founded in the late 1960's as the Foreign Policy Group. Originally meetings were held in members' homes and later at various Universities/Colleges. Since then it has grown in membership as well as breadth of its offerings. Each year more than 1,000 members, students and friends take part in one or more of the functions available. WAC of Greater Reading has been affiliated with the World Affairs Councils of America since 1967.
  Q:Is your organization partisan?
  A:We are non-partisan. While the presenters or subjects of individual programs may represent a single point of view, over time we try and balance the presentation programs.
  A:That's easy. Just visit our online membership registration at www.wacreading.org or contact us directly at 610-375-7880
  A:Membership to World Affairs Council of Greater Reading is for one full year.
  Q:Are there different types of membership?
  A:There are three types: Individual, Family and Ambassador. Individual ($40.00) allows one person the member rate for luncheon. Family ($60.00) allows any person residing at the address the member rate for luncheon. Ambassador ($250.00) enables the member to attend all luncheons at no cost, a family member to attend luncheons at the member rate and provides a discounted cost to the ambassador member for the annual excursion, should one be scheduled.
  Q:What is the member/non-member cost for events?
  A:The standard non-member rate for luncheons is $30.00 and the member rate is $23.00. The cost for breakfast is $10.00 for all persons. Additionally anyone attending the luncheon and not eating is only charged $10.00. Additionally, the student rate for luncheons is $10.00. Please look at the Get Involved tab for more information.
  Q:Is my membership tax deductible?
  A:The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
  Q:How is your organization funded?
  A:We are funded by membership dues and individual sponsorships as well as corporate and individual donations.
  Q:How can I help the World Affairs Council?
  A:There are many ways. You could be a luncheon sponsor. The World Affairs has special student luncheon pricing to try and have as many high school and college/university students attend as possible. The luncheon sponsorship basically underwrites this effort. Additional, The World Affairs Council is a totally volunteer organization. We are always looking for passionate members to help us in our mission. You could become involved in our WorldQuest program, assist in marketing efforts, help us in our efforts with the various schools or any other of many programs. At one of our events, speak to one of the Board Members to discuss the many opportunities available.
  Q:What programs does The World Affairs Council of Reading do?
  A:There are many. Except for the summer months, we have amazing speakers frequently on a national level at our monthly luncheon speaker series, discussing the most timely international issues of the day. We also hold breakfast discussions, usulally with local experts, with topics covering World Health, World Humanities, and World Religion issues. In addition to this we sponsor: Great Decisions, America's largest discussion program on world affairs; World Quest, a flagship youth educational program of the national network of World Affairs Council that all local high schools can participate; a monthly discussion on world events on BCTV and much more.
  Q:Do I need to register for programs in advance if I am a member?
  A:Yes. We are required to give the venue site a member count up to three days before the event. Therefore, we very much appreciate it if you could contact us as soon as you know you are going to an event. We want to assure there is space for you when you arrive at an event