James Schmotter  

Winston Churchill once observed that “to improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”  If he was correct, then we at the Naples Council on World Affairs may be approaching perfection. From last summer onward, developments in our environment have required ceaseless changes in venues, programs, delivery methods, and technology. These changes have sometimes tried the patience of both volunteers and members.  It’s useful to review them.

As we scheduled lecture speakers last summer, we looked forward to a return to relative normality. Covid appeared to be on the wane, and we had engaged an impressive lineup of lecture speakers. But the impact of increased infections on speakers’ travel plans and uneven sound quality in Moorings Presbyterian Church required us to rely on livestreaming and to be agile in scheduling lectures. Even with these distractions, this year’s lecture series, “The Gathering Storms,” received kudos from many members. The speakers were relevant, eloquent, and accessible, most notably Ambassadors Ryan Crocker and Frank Wisner. 

Covid also affected other programs.  Great Decisions groups met for most of the season via Zoom, and committees and the Board of Directors employed hybrid technology for their gatherings. Student-oriented programs resumed in live formats. Both High School and Middle School Academic World Quest competitions were held at the Community School of Naples, with typical student enthusiasm and engagement. More than two hundred high school students participated in the Southwest Florida Model UN Conference, and thanks to generous NCWA donors, received $36,000 in prizes.  

As we end the 2021-2022 NCWA season, we thank our volunteers and members for their patience, support, and good humor. We are currently evaluating possible lecture venues for next year that will both accommodate our members and provide effective acoustics. I thank all of you who returned our recent survey of live versus online lecture participation to aid in this task.

Throughout all of these changes, we’ve learned that we’ve not yet achieved Churchillian perfection. But we do believe that we’ve adapted as necessary to continue to be the preeminent source in Southwest Florida for information about and dialogue on world affairs. No doubt further challenges lie ahead that may test our resolve and creativity.  But with your continuing engagement, we know that these challenges, like those of the past twelve months, will be successfully met.  

Thank you and enjoy the summer.

Jim Schmotter 

President