EVENTS
The World Affairs Council of the Quad Cities events are dedicated to educating, inspiring and engaging Americans in international affairs and the critical global issues of our times.
Free Admission
7:00 PM
Bettendorf Public Library
2022-23 programs are subject to change
AUG
29
TITLE: TBD
​
Details: TBD​
​
​
​
​
​
AUG
29
TITLE: TBD
​
Details: TBD​
​
​
​
​
​
AUG
29
TITLE: TBD
​
Details: TBD​
​
​
​
​
​
AUG
29
TITLE: TBD
​
Details: TBD​
​
​
​
​
​
AUG
29
TITLE: TBD
​
Details: TBD​
​
​
​
​
​
AUG
29
TITLE: TBD
​
Details: TBD​
​
​
​
​
​
EVENTS
The World Affairs Council of the Quad Cities events are dedicated to educating, inspiring and engaging Americans in international affairs and the critical global issues of our times.
Free Admission
7:00 PM
Bettendorf Public Library
2025-26 programs are subject to change
SEP
30
Teaching Vietnam War Literature Abroad​
​
Professor David Crowe of Augustana College shares the insights that reshaped his understanding of the Vietnam War's impact after having taught Vietnam War literature abroad.
​
​
OCT
28
Environmental Justice in Ecuador​
​
Dr. Mariano Magalhaes of Augustana College and Fulbright Scholar, researches democracy in Brazil, coordinates student scholarship, and leads innovative courses and study abroad programs in Brazil and Ecuador. He and his students present their recent study abroad trip to Ecuador. The First Year Global Program gives Augustana freshmen a ten-day study abroad experience in Cuenca, Ecuador, focused on Environmental Justice. Students engage in themed activities and collect original data on the use of a specific space in Cuenca, presenting their findings upon return.
​
​
NOV
18
Sustainability in the Built Environment, a Local Example​
Keith Porter will provide background on the Stanley Center for Peace and Security (based on Muscatine since 1956). He will also discuss the transformative role of sustainable building practices in addressing climate change and the Stanley Center's International Living Building Challenge- certified facility.
​​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
JAN
27
The Human Face of Trafficking
​
Sara K. is a survivor and Advocate for survivors of Human Trafficking, where she has held her position with Braking Traffik for almost 4 years. She attended and graduated from the St. Louis Dream Center with a bachelor's degree in ministry. She has over five years' experience working with inner-city at-risk youth in St. Louis. She has also worked with human trafficking survivors overseas. Sara served at the Women’s Transitional Home through the Chicago Dream Center as the Residential Aide before pursuing her career, where she currently works for Family Resources in the Braking Traffik Department. Sara also serves on the board for the NAHT, the Network Against Human Trafficking. She has worked with local at-risk youth who have been involved in the court and foster care systems, and currently works with survivors who have been incarcerated, connecting them to resources & long-term Restoration Homes. She is trauma-informed and passionate about educating survivors, schools, her community, and youth, giving them the tools and the resources to fight against human trafficking.
​
.webp)
FEB
24
75 Years of Ironclad Friendship: My Family's Journey Through U.S.-ROK Alliance.
​
​Dr. Jason Seol, Deputy Director, Future Operations and Dept of Defense will provide a brief history of how the U.S.-ROK Alliance came about since the onset of the 1950-1953 Korea War and its evolution over the 75 years of making the one-of-a-kind Alliance "ironclad" with emphasis on Why Korea matters. He will provide his personal experiences dealing with the impossible state, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) problem set and share his lessons learned on the importance of this Alliance to global peace and prosperity.
​
​
​​​
​
​
​
​
​
​
MAR
24
A Journey to Egypt​
Onnica Marquez will be discussing her experiences traveling to Middle Eastern countries with a focus on Egypt. Highlights will include language, belly dancing, beliefs on death and the afterlife, food, relationships, etc.​
​
​
Mar
29
Annual QC World Cultures Festival
​
**A special program in partnership with St. Ambrose University**​
1 - 4 pm, Rogalski Center, St. Ambrose University
​
​
​
​
​
APR
28
Turkiye Beyond the Headlines: Culture, Food, and Everyday Life​
​
Often, when people in the United States hear about Turkiye, the focus is on politics or news headlines. Yet behind the headlines lies a rich and diverse culture shaped by centuries of history, traditions, and community life. In this presentation, Yasemin Onder, Instructional Designer at Kirkwood Community College, and Dr. Seref Onder, Assistant Professor at Black Hawk College, will share their stories, experiences, and a brief journey from Türkiye, as well as highlighting its vibrant food culture, everyday customs, and the ways people connect across generations. Through photos, anecdotes, and cultural insights, participants will discover a more personal side of Turkiye—one that celebrates its warmth, hospitality, and resilience. This talk invites both students and community members to broaden their perspective, appreciate cultural differences, and see how International education fosters deeper understanding in our interconnected world.
​
​
​
​
​