Our

Mission & Values

Creating a Community of Global Citizens

Vision Statement:

The International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College is committed to being a leading community resource on critical issues facing the world.

 

Mission Statement: 

The mission of the International Affairs Forum of Traverse City is to advance the understanding of the world and its critical issues through education and public dialogue.

 

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. 

Since its founding in 1994, the International Affairs Forum at NMC has brought season after season of renowned speakers--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.

Past IAF speakers include Ambassador Thomas Pickering, the 5-star general of America’s diplomatic core, former 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 Rami Khouri, Dexter Filkins, and Alfredo Corchado, and so many other outstanding experts. 

Through the years, thousands of patrons, members, students and community members have participated in and benefitted from IAF programming. This is unique for a community of this size and a reason to celebrate! As part of Northwestern Michigan College, IAF enters its next quarter century by creating new opportunities for growth between this dynamic community in northern Michigan and globally.

We want you to be involved in IAF's exciting future!  Please join us as part of our Ambassador's Club, as an Envoy, or a Diplomat, to ensure that IAF continues for future generations. Become an IAF Member to ensure that you have a seat at IAF events!