What we’re about
Our Council in Orange County, CA, is part of the World Affairs Councils of America, a nonprofit and nonpartisan national organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to educate and inform our members and community citizens on important and critical issues concerning world affairs. With nearly 100 councils across 40 states reaching more than half a million people annually, the members of our local Council share an affinity with individuals across America.
The Trustees of our council approach these multifaceted issues by presenting excellent and renowned speakers, including experienced diplomats and ambassadors, former heads of state, foreign ministers, high-level government officials, prominent journalists and writers, and top military and intelligence officials. A careful review of speakers who have addressed the council reveals the high caliber of interesting and relevant programs members and guests enjoy.
We also strive to make council dinners and events enjoyable opportunities to meet and socialize with others who see the impact foreign affairs have had not only nationally, but also in Orange County. Many members have either worked or served abroad, study international affairs, conduct international business, or simply appreciate the importance of understanding world affairs. The council has widespread support throughout the local community, including among corporate, public, and academic sectors.
The council also sponsors students through its scholarship outreach program. This allows high school and university students—our future leaders—to attend events and become engaged by learning more about critical international issues and it gives them the opportunity to meet and speak with guest speakers.
We welcome you to join our council and help us engage individuals across the globe on issues that impact all of us around the world. Please share our website and profile with your colleagues and friends!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Unchartered Waters with Admiral Stavridis; NATO, Greenland, Ukraine, China...Tustin Ranch Golf Club, Tustin, CA
SECURE YOUR SPOT HERE
Join us for a 3-course dinner, beer & wine, and an opportunity for book signing after dinner.
Sponsor & VIP Reception includes hors d’oeuvres, photo opportunties, and a dedicated bar
*A big thank you to our sponsors: ****Merrill Lynch Wealth Management’s Adishian Group ****and *Clareo
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact jayne@worldaffairscouncil.orgAdmiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret)
Admiral James Stavridis is Partner and Vice Chair, Global Affairs of The Carlyle Group and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Rockefeller Foundation, following five years as the 12th Dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. A retired 4-star officer in the U.S. Navy, he led the NATO Alliance in global operations from 2009 to 2013 as Supreme Allied Commander with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counter piracy, and cyber security. He also served as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, with responsibility for all military operations in Latin America from 2006-2009. He earned more than 50 medals, including 28 from foreign nations in his 37-year military career.
Earlier in his military career he commanded the top ship in the Atlantic Fleet, winning the Battenberg Cup, as well as a squadron of destroyers and a carrier strike group – all in combat. In 2016, he was vetted for Vice President by Hillary Clinton and subsequently invited to Trump Tower to discuss a cabinet position in the Trump Administration.
Admiral Stavridis earned a PhD in international relations and has published fifteen books and hundreds of articles in leading journals around the world, including the recent novel “2034: A Novel of the Next World War,” which was a New York Times bestseller and “To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and The Crucible of Decision.” His most recent book “The Restless Wave: A Novel of the United States Navy” was published in October 2024. His 2012 TED talk on global security has close to one million views. Admiral Stavridis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and Senior Military Analyst for CNN.SPONSORSHIPS:
Title $10,000 Sponsor – comes with recognition on website, social media posts, and at event, 2 VIP tables of 8, plus 12 books, plus both receptions and upgraded table decor. Stavridis will sit at one of these tables. Limited to one.
$5000 Host Sponsor – comes with recognition on website, social media posts, and at event, with 1 VIP table of 8, plus VIP reception, plus sponsor reception (30 min before VIPs), plus 6 books, and upgraded table decor. Unlimited sponsorships available.
$2000 – pays for a table of students to attend) – comes with recognition on website and at event. 2 VIP tickets. Unlimited sponsorships available.TICKET TIERS:
Signing up for membership is recommended and easy! Member VIPs and sponsors will have direct access to the admiral during the pre-program receptions. Memberships support our operations and keep you engaged. Click here for options.
General Admission (Member: $175.00, Non-Member: $195.00), Single Ticket: Includes “The Restless Wave”
General Admission Table Host ($1,500) (LIMITED: 8 Seats): 6 Books
VIP Admission ($300), Single Ticket, Members Only: 30 minute VIP reception and closer seating
VIP Table Host ($2,500), Host must be member (LIMITED: 8 Seats): 30 minute VIP reception, better table location
YPIN ($120) (Young Professionals Intercollegiate Network) Members Only: does not include book
