The first week in November, Director Blaine Lotz and I attended the National Conference of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) in Washington, D.C. As we listened to status reports and updates, we wished more Hilton Head members could have been with us.
The WACA Top Issues of 2012 are highlighted in this brief promotional video.
In her opening statement, Lori Murray, President and CEO of WACA, said, “U.S. global leadership is impossible without a strong U.S. economy. A strong U.S. economy is impossible without a U.S. education system that is preparing the next generation go be global citizens – innovators and problem solvers.” As the speakers spoke about key government issues, higher education, economics and areas too numerous to list here, the message was consistent: our country must return to global competitiveness, or we will be left behind.
WACA’s affiliated Councils expressed concern that national security issues and historic global events of the past year were not being addressed by candidates in the run up to mid-term elections. As a countermeasure, local councils discussed, selected and voted on the Top Six Security Issues facing our country in 2012. Topping the list is U.S. Education, followed by Energy Policy, Afghanistan/Pakistan, U.S. Economic Competitiveness, the Middle East and China.
Blaine and I were pleased to share with others that our Council’s program development is focused on the same very security issues as those voted upon in joint sessions.
While higher education needs were emphasized, it was generally accepted that K-12 education is a much more basic need for the citizens of the future. Our Council’s participation in Academic WorldQuest is an investment we can make in that future.
Blaine and I are extremely pleased to be among WACA’s non-partisan network of over 90 councils in 40 states dedicated to educating the American public on global issues. We hope to return to the Conference in 2012, and that more members will be with us.
Best Regards,
Don Ferguson
