The International Affairs Forum advances the understanding of critical global issues through education and public dialogue. IAF is a community-supported program of Northwestern Michigan College. Learn how you can support IAF here.
GOLD SPONSORS
EVENT PARTNER
Rights of Nature: Global Movement, Indigenous Values
April 15, 2026
Frank Bibeau, Tribal Attorney & Director of the Tribal Rights of Nature Program, Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights (in person)
Hugo Echeverría, Attorney for the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights, member of the UN Harmony with Nature expert network (virtual)
Grant funding support provided by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians
GRANT FUNDER
EVENT UNDERWRITER
The Future Is Peace
Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon
Robert Giles “Truth Matters” Author Conversation presented by National Writers Series in partnership with International Affairs Forum
April 19, 2026
A Palestinian and an Israeli who each lost family to the conflict, Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon chose reconciliation over revenge. In this powerful conversation, co-authors share their personal journeys and explore how empathy, partnership, and courageous dialogue can challenge cycles of violence and imagine a different future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
*Note: This special event is not included with IAF membership. Tickets are required. Students and educators receive free admission.
EVENT PARTNERSHIP
NWS & IAF
Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security
June 11, 2026
Sherri Goodman, Secretary General, International Military Council on Climate & Security; Distinguished Fellow and Board Director, Atlantic Council
Former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense (Environmental Security)
EVENT UNDERWRITERS
Harold & Pam Lassers
The International Affairs Forum is honored to partner with The Old Art Building (OAB) to provide livestreaming of IAF programming at the OAB's facility at 111 S. Main Street, Leland. This important collaboration allows Leelanau County residents – for whom traveling to Traverse City may pose a barrier – to participate in IAF programming virtually. The OAB provides a complimentary wine reception prior to each event and an on-site host, who shares audience questions through a direct chat with the IAF's visiting experts. There is no cost to attend these satellite events. Learn more about the Old Art Building here.
The International Affairs Forum thanks the Zonta Club of Rogers City at the Presque Isle District Library for thoughtfully extending programming to northeast Michigan. This partnership supports Zonta’s commitment to community service and women’s leadership, while broadening access to global dialogue. Learn more about the Zonta Club of Rogers City here.
SPECIAL EVENT
The True Cost of Defense
December 10, 2025
6:30pm reception | 7pm screening
8pm panel discussion
Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium
Documentary film screening with panel discussion
A revealing look at the hidden environmental, social, and economic impacts of U.S. military spending.
Event presented by NMC's International Affairs Forum and Free To Choose Media
He Named Me Malala
November 5, 2025 | 6pm doors | 7pm
Documentary film screening @ State Theatre Community Night
A look at the events leading up to the Taliban's attack on the young Pakistani school girl, Malala Yousafzai, for speaking out on girls' education and the aftermath, including her speech to the United Nations.
Event presented by NMC's International Affairs Forum at the State Theatre
Note: This event is not included with IAF membership. Tickets are required.
Putting the Global Order Back Together
Christopher Preble, Senior Fellow and Director of the Reimagining US Grand Strategy program at the Stimson Center, and co-host of the “Net Assessment” podcast
Event partners | World Affairs Councils of America Engage America Series & The Quincy Institute Better Order Project
IAF Gala 2025
October 16, 2025 | 6pm - 9pm
Hagerty Center, Great Lakes Campus
Northwestern Michigan College
The International Affairs Forum invites you to its inaugural Gala event featuring Peter Meijer, former U.S. Congressman from Michigan’s 3rd District, veteran, and business leader.
Note: This special event is not included with IAF membership. Tickets are required.
Powerful Women
October 8, 2025 | 6pm doors | 7pm screening
State Theatre Community Night
Documentary film screening with in-person guest speaker Madhvi Dalal, Founder of PadMad, social entrepreneur working in Kenya, Somalia, and Malawi
Event partners | State Theatre, Uplift Travel, and NMC International Services & Service Learning
Note: This event is not included with IAF membership. Tickets are required.
Who We Are
Learn moreCreating a Community of Global Citizens
Since its founding in 1994, the International Affairs Forum at NMC has brought season after season of diplomats, ambassadors, economists, military leaders, journalists, educators and other great minds to Traverse City to challenge us to think critically about issues of local and global significance.
This has included Ambassador Thomas Pickering, the 5-star general of America’s diplomatic corps; former Secretary of State and White House Chief of Staff James A. Baker; leading international voices such as Rajmohan Gandhi and Iraqi Ambassador Faisal al-Istrabadi; top journalists and authors such as Dexter Filkins and Alfredo Corchado, and countless outstanding experts.
Through the years, thousands of IAF donors, students, and community members have participated in and benefitted from these programs. This is unique for a community of this size and a reason to celebrate!
We want you to be involved in IAF's exciting future. Support IAF by joining as a member. Make the most impact by becoming a Leadership Circle member -- at the Ambassador, Envoy, or Diplomat level -- to ensure that IAF continues to grow for future generations.
*IAF is a proud member of the World Affairs Councils of America, the largest independent, non-partisan organization dedicated to engaging the public and leading global voices to better understand the world, America's international role, and the policy choices that impact our daily lives and our future. The national network is comprised of more than 90 councils in more than 40 states.
Support
Learn moreIAF is a growing community resource that depends on active and engaged members. Join IAF's Leadership Circle, become an IAF member, sponsor an IAF event, or volunteer your skills.
Newsletter
SubscribeSubscribe to receive the IAF email newsletter. You may unsubscribe at any time. Thank you for your interest in the International Affairs Forum, a program of Northwestern Michigan College, and an affiliate of the World Affairs Councils of America.
