James Schmotter  

Perhaps you, like my wife and I, enjoyed last season’s Artis-Naples presentation of "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg," the Broadway hit featuring the unforgettable music of the Temptations.  These songs always produce many memories, and the messages of some continue to ring true today. Take, for example, “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today).” 1970, when this song was released, was a confusing and concerning time. So is 2022.  

Members of the Naples Council on World Affairs who seek to understand political, military, economic, and social conditions around the globe are challenged as never before to keep up.  War in Ukraine, a global food crisis, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, China’s threats to Taiwan, Europe’s economic instability, failing states in the Middle East and Sahel, increased worldwide migration, impacts of climate change and an apparently unending pandemic are but a few of the issues that command our attention. That “ball of confusion” is still rolling.

In that context, the work of the NCWA has never been more important. Through a lecture series presenting topical presentations from noted experts, though conversations with colleagues in Great Decisions sessions, though special events like our War College program, and through our robust array of programs for the region’s middle and high school students, we will endeavor to slow down that rolling ball.

We’ll be doing that both via live streaming and in-person in a new venue with improved audio capacity—Moss Hall at Moorings Presbyterian Church. Great Decisions sessions will return to an in-person format at familiar venues around Southwest Florida. Partnerships with local schools will continue to facilitate our widely respected Model UN conference, Academic World Quest competitions, and summer experiences at home and abroad.  

The Naples Council could not begin to conduct this ambitious agenda without the enthusiasm and support of our members. Throughout the difficult days of Covid, your patience, understanding and continued financial support inspired us to endeavor to produce the best experiences possible for all stakeholders. As some sense of normality returns, we pledge to continue that commitment to doing all we can to “educate, inspire and engage” our members on critical global issues.  

We thank you and look forward to being with you for the 2022-2023 season!

Warmest regards,

Jim Schmotter, President