World Affairs Council of the Desert
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​About World Affairs Council of the Desert

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The World Affairs Council of the Desert is a non-partisan and non-profit organization that provides a unique platform for discussing national and international topics. Initially known as the "Desert Forum," it was established in the early seventies as an extension of the Los Angeles Council. In 1975, it became an independent non-profit corporation and adopted its current name.
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The council's primary objectives include educational outreach, organizing engaging and affordable programs, and covering a diverse range of global issues. While it does not take positions on matters, it encourages open discussions that encompass various perspectives. The council invites expert speakers who are renowned in their respective fields, often with notable publications, and who address current events. These speakers can include Ambassadors, corporate leaders, foreign dignitaries, national media personalities, and professors from higher education institutions.

The council's flagship program consists of monthly speaker/dinner events held on Sunday evenings from November to April at the Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage. The event begins with a reception at 5 PM, followed by dinner at 6 PM, and concludes with the guest speaker's presentation by 8 PM. 

To attend the dinner events, reservations are required and can be made online at World Affairs Council of the Desert or by contacting the office at 760-322-7711. Reservations must be made by noon on Tuesday prior to the scheduled dinner, subject to availability. Payment can be made via check or credit card. The events are open to the public, and attendance typically ranges from 150 to 200 individuals.

The council sustains its speaker/dinner programs through membership dues and educational donations. Additionally, it reaches out to local high schools and colleges through a youth program. Each month, students are invited to the dinner/speaker events, and a key student initiative is the Academic WorldQuest student outreach program. This program includes a competition held annually in February, where teams from local high schools compete for an opportunity to participate in the National WorldQuest Competition in Washington, D.C. during the spring.

For more comprehensive information, visit the rest of our website, contact the office at (760) 322-7711, or email us at desertworldaffairs@gmail.com. You can also find additional details about the World Affairs Council of the Desert on Wikipedia by following this link: Wikipedia.

View ​Sponsorship ​Opportunities
Donate to WACD
View 2022-2023 Student ​Program Benefactors

Platinum Ambassador Sponsors
$10,000 - $24,999​

Charles & Priscilla Porter


Barry Berlin
& Mary Reisher

​Gold Ambassador Sponsors 
$5,000 - $9,999

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Silver Ambassador Sponsors
 $2,500 - $4,999

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​World Affairs Council
of the Desert
​is a proud member of the
World Affairs Councils
​of America

We have earned a GuideStar/Candid 
​Gold Seal ​of Transparency
​Visit our profile on GuideStar so you can view our information and
accomplishments by clicking on the Gold Seal above.

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​​Copyright © 2023 World Affairs Council of the Desert. All rights reserved.
Website by Flipcause and Linda Borses
  • Home
  • Career Pathways: Students
  • Membership
  • WorldQuest 2023
  • Conversations
  • About Us
    • About WACD
    • Mission - Vision - Values
    • President's Message
    • Chairman's Message
    • BOD 2023-24
    • Guest Speakers 2021/2022
    • Guest Speakers 2020/2021
    • Guest Speakers 2019/2020
    • Guest Speakers 2018/2019
    • Guest Speakers 2017/2018
    • Past Presidents & Directors
    • Links
  • Sponsorship
    • Corporate/Personal Sponsorship
    • Student Program Benefactors
  • Event Photos
  • Contact Us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy