International Relations Council

From Eleanor Roosevelt our first speaker in January 1955 to Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice from revered journalist Jim Lehrer to Peace Corps Director Carol Bellamy hundreds of journalists professors diplomats and other experts have joined us in Kansas City through the years to provide keen international insight valuable analysis and a range of perspectives to the IRCs diverse audience. Our robust global-affairs programming provides opportunities for IRC individual and organizational members and members of our community to dive into international issues engage experts and understand more fully the connections between whats going on around the world and in our region. IRC lectures and panel discussions are often free or low-cost and occur throughout the year.

The International Relations Council offers membership for individuals families universities nonprofit organizations and businesses. We value our members and the unique insights international experience and sincere desire to understand the world they bring to the IRC network and the Kansas City community. Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds and include community leaders international business people university faculty students and other individuals interested in deepening their global. Expenses in this program area involve recruiting onboarding and serving members.

The International Relations Council is proud to work with Kansas City-area schools and teachers a wide range of programs for students. High school students from across the greater Kansas City area are invited to put their global knowledge to the test in the annual Academic WorldQuest competition a flagship program of the World Affairs Councils of America. The local competition hosted by the IRC every spring since 2006 is entirely cost-free for schools. In addition away from the borders and coasts Kansas City-area students are often surprised to find just how many international academic and professional opportunities await them after high school. Each fall the Your Global Future college and career fair brings students to the table with dozens of international businesses organizations colleges and universities to show them just how global their future can be.