2022 World Affairs Council of the Year
Network of Independent World Affairs Councils of America

The Tennessee World Affairs Council was incorporated on February 14, 2007 as a non profit educational charity with the mission of delivering global awareness programs and resources to communities and especially schools in Tennessee.

It was founded by community members from a cross section of professions who were concerned about the lack of knowledge about world affairs among Americans. Among the evidence that concerned them was the results of a 2006 National Geographic/Roper survey in which, among other shortfalls, only 37% of 18-24 year olds could find Iraq on a map, three years into the war.

After opening the doors of its office in Cookeville, Tennessee on May 1, 2007 the Council became a member of the national network of World Affairs Councils, all independent, non partisan organizations that share the same goal to bring global awareness programs to Americans. By affiliating with the WACA network the Tennessee Council became eligible to share the national programs with local schools and communities that would not have been able to access these resources otherwise.

The Tennessee World Affairs Council delivered programs and resources to the Upper Cumberland region of the state in its first few years but soon developed a state-wide charter as teachers, students and organizations that could not access the Councils’ network program sought out international education opportunities.

In July 2015 the Council announced its relaunch from Nashville hosted at the Belmont University Campus. The TN WAC will provide international education awareness opportunities to the Nashville and Middle Tennessee communities and schools, but will continue to serve state-wide needs through remotely deliverable programs and visits from speakers and program providers.