Your passport to global affairs

Mimi Gregory Receives Prestigious Award
For Service to World Affairs Council

Mimi Gregory, NCWA Vice President of Programs, has received the Chairman's Individual Award for 2025 from Glenn Creamer, chairman of the board of directors of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). Last year she completed a term as vice chair of the WACA Board.

The award was presented at WACA's national conference and again during a visit by three WACA leaders to Naples to attend the lecture of Mona Yacoubian on the Middle East. Mona is a WACA board member. Presenting the award in Naples was Matthew Hughes, president and CEO of WACA. Also attending was Stephen Lackey, WACA treasurer and Board member.

Mimi has committed decades of service to World Affairs Councils in Boston and Naples, as well as to WACA.

Member Survey: High Satisfaction, Suggestions Made for Improvements

NCWA's member survey showed it is healthy and stable more than two years after the end of the pandemic. Member satisfaction remained very high, although improvements can be made in programs and in staying relevant in rapidly changing times. The Board of Directors used this information in plans for this season and beyond.

Attendance at lectures continued to be high, as it was two years ago when the previous survey was done. Livestreaming of lectures was popular. Ratings for the quality of lectures were 88% and quality of topics 87%, compared to an overall 88% two years ago. The lecture program was considered highly timely and relevant. Members found the lecture venue to be convenient and comfortable.

Great Decisions participants thought the material in the briefing books and supplemental reading supplied by NCWA was better, but there was need for more improvement. 

The program for bringing guests to lectures and Great Decisions meetings was used by 31% of the respondents last season and 92% were willing to bring guests this season. More members preferred using the updated website than the call center because of wait times to reach the call center, although many said they like to use both. 28% of respondents were highly likely to donate some amount to NCWA student programs, such as summer scholarships, Model UN or Academic WorldQuest. To read members' written comments, click here.

Members in Survey Offered Suggestions
And Thanks to NCWA Leaders

Lectures: 

• Topics: The addition of broader topics in the international arena (global education and health, supply chains, impact of cryptocurrency on financial markets, etc.) was suggested. 
  
• Speakers: Lecturers were regarded as generally excellent, but a mixture of experts from various perspectives (fewer think tanks, more from the field, government, foreign countries) and from varied areas (Latin America, Africa) would be welcome. Also, members suggested fewer repeat appearances by speakers.
  
• Some asked for a wider diversity of perspectives, requested a more "balanced political/economic view" and suggested presentation of two points of view on a single topic. 
• Members emphasized the need to keep introductions of speakers short and to cut off “speeches” and irrelevant questions during the question-and-answer period. 
  
• Some members expressed problems hearing at lectures. The venue provides hearing assistance which will be more prominently promoted for members with hearing difficulties.

Great Decisions: Briefing books continue to challenge our members. Supplemental materials could be shorter and more clearly written. 

General:

• Members aren't given enough information about where and how to volunteer.
  
• They want social interaction and opportunities to discuss with others what they are learning.
  
• Some suggested using dues to support more member activities and that all scholarships should be funded by donors. 

Membership and Marketing:

• Diversify the age of membership, leadership and audience.
  
• Develop use of social media.
  
• Reach out to the community.
  

NCWA leadership: Keep up the good work!

NCWA leaders are appreciated. But make sure NCWA is current and relevant to the times. 

Travel with WACA Members

NCWA members enjoy the companionship of like-minded explorers when they explore the world with the World Affairs of America (WACA) travel program. Administered by the Philadelphia Council, tours led by Council members go to a wide variety of destinations. For more information, go to www.wacphila.org.