World Affairs Council News

On March 27, over one hundred and fifty community members participated in lively debates, thoughtful conversation and intellectual competition. The inaugural “International Affairs Challenge”, sponsored by the World Affairs Council at the High School, was a great success. Contestants answered seven rounds of difficult questions with topics ranging from international cuisine, to current events and diverse faiths.

Student members of the World Affairs Council researched the questions, publicized the event, sought donations, and solicited table sponsors. Various local businesses, families, schools, and neighborhoods sponsored the teams of eight competitors. Attendees enjoyed contemporary jazz music courtesy of the CEHS jazz ensemble and an array of hors d’oeurves and sweets. The three top teams represented the Council on International Education Exchange, Cioccapedia, and Freeport High School. Prizes were provided by local businesses, including David’s, Ann Veronica, Hugo's, two fat cats, and Edgecomb Potters.

--Written by Anna Tranfaglia, class of 2008

World Affairs Council - and plans extend to New York for the Model UN Conference in 2008!

The World Affairs Council of Cape Elizabeth High School wrapped up a successful inaugural year under the direction of history teacher, Gretchen McNulty, with an evening of international delights and conversation during International Issue Night on June 4th at the High School. While members of the Sophomore Class displayed and presented research posters, World Affairs Council Members shared treats from around the globe.

The World Affairs Council was begun this past fall by students at Cape Elizabeth High School interested in creating a forum to discuss and learn more about world issues. Little did they imagine more than sixty of their peers from all four grades would join this dynamic organization, founded with a grant from the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation. Under the leadership of student president Alexandra Ciraldo the group really took off. They refined positions and duties of elected officers, instituted parliamentary procedure, and established a website linked via the school site. With opportunities spanning the school year before them Alexandra recognized, "It was at this point I realized the WAC was going to be something very special."

More than thirty-five students have attended lectures and discussions presented by ambassadors, academics, politicians and business owners from Maine and around the world at venues throughout southern Maine. Eighteen students have participated in the Great Decisions discussions based on the Foreign Policy Association's annual publication about the world's greatest challenges each year. The only students among the panel of adult participants, Cape members read articles about the selected topics and joined concerned citizens from all over Cumberland County in seminar-style discussions. "We interacted with dignitaries - many of whom had actual experiences in the areas we were discussing! It was amazing to meet so many of these prominent, experienced people who live right here in Maine." Alexandra adds, "These events represent exactly what we strive for at the WAC. Whether it's participation in Model UN, listening to an important speaker, or simply having a group discussion on a current event topic, each WAC event aims to provide students with increased awareness to prepare them for their roles as world citizens and future leaders."

Gretchen McNulty's photos from the recent model UN tell quite a story and she adds "I'm learning and enjoying as much as the students at all of these events. It's really been an amazing experience for all of us!"

In January, the Council invited and hosted Congressman Tom Allen for a community discussion about foreign policy. More than forty high school students joined adults from Cape Elizabeth and Greater Portland for a question and answer session attended by nearly 150 people, followed by small group discussions. The concerns and ideas that resulted from those discussions were then forwarded to the congressman's Washington office.

Model United Nations programs have also served to deeply engage council members. More than thirty-five students have taken part in conferences this fall at M.I.T., Dartmouth, and U.S.M. In order to participate, students research the history, culture and concerns of a particular country. They then learn about two specific issues that their committee has identified for attention. The objective is for each student to present his or her country's position as accurately as possible, but with the end goal being consensus-driven resolutions on difficult issues. General Assembly Committees on Security and Disarmament or Legal Affairs might involve 100-200 member country representatives. The Security Council or European Union Assemblies might have 15-30. Students hone the skills of deliberation and listening, research and parliamentary procedure while learning about real countries and real issues and deliberating with students from some of the best private and public schools in the country and overseas. Students Heather Furman, Dan Goldstein and Ashley Robinson all won Outstanding Delegate Awards at the conferences they attended.

Twelve students competed in the World Affairs Council of Maine's Worldquest Trivia Competition. Every state's council holds a trivia competition on Geography, World Culture and Current Events, and this year's Competition at National Semiconductor involved several hundred people, both adults and students, in teams.

In looking toward next year, WAC members are already planning a community discussion for next fall, and hope to deliberate at the Model U.N. held in New York at the United Nations in 2008.