Columbus Council on World Affairs

The Columbus Council on World Affairs (CCWA) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization established in 1975 by twelve individuals from the business, academic, and civic sectors. Its mission is to foster a community that is well-informed about critical international issues and their impact at a global, national, and local level. The organization is one of 98 such councils in the United States and operates as an educational resource for Central Ohio, serving students, business leaders, and the general public.

The council is funded through contributions from individuals and corporations and provides a variety of educational programs. These include symposia, lecture series, youth forums, and discussion groups. A key initiative is the Global Scholars Diploma, a credential for high school students focused on developing global competence. Another significant program is the Global Fluency Institute, a social enterprise that offers cross-cultural communication training for professionals. The CCWA has also partnered with institutions like Franklin University to create self-directed e-learning courses on topics such as global fluency and agricultural trade.

Patrick Terrien serves as the President and CEO, leading the organization's strategy, programming, and community partnerships. His background includes a degree in International Politics from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and work with the U.S. Agency for International Development. Under his leadership, the CCWA has launched the Global Scholars Diploma and the Global Fluency Institute, securing advisors and funding from prominent national organizations and corporations.

Keywords: global awareness, international education, non-profit organization, cross-cultural communication, global competence, student programs, professional development, lecture series, community engagement, world affairs, international relations, foreign policy education, global fluency, youth forums