The Owensboro Area World Affairs Council is celebrating two decades of advancing global awareness through free public lectures that connect local audiences with international perspectives.
Founded in 2005 with support from the Public Life Foundation, the nonprofit organization’s mission is to “advance global understanding in the community,” said Dr. Angela Ash, current president. Over the years, the council has hosted speakers from around the world — from journalists and policy analysts to cultural scholars — offering professional insights on a wide range of global issues.
“We bring in speakers from all over the world,” Ash said. “Historically, we’ve hosted international guests, though that’s become more challenging due to travel costs. Sometimes we’re fortunate when someone from the area who’s living abroad comes home to visit and is willing to share their experience — like a Kentucky Wesleyan graduate who spoke about life in Japan.”
Ash said the organization’s purpose has always been educational, emphasizing cultural exchange and informed discussion over politics.
“We’re not a political organization,” she said. “We sometimes address political topics, but always through an international lens — like comparing U.S. foreign policies across administrations, or exploring cultural experiences in places like Peru or Cuba.”
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the group recently hosted a reception and lecture at the WKU-Owensboro campus. Guests gathered for hors d’oeuvres and a presentation by Professor Matt Alschbach titled Global Histories of Witchcraft: Belief, Power and Persecution Across Cultures. The event also featured a slideshow highlighting two decades of programming, including lectures by prominent figures such as journalist Robert Samuelson.
Ash said the organization has evolved significantly, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many programs now include a remote attendance option, allowing participants to join via Zoom and submit questions virtually. Recordings of lectures are later posted to YouTube and shared on social media.
“The way we deliver programs is probably the biggest change in the past 20 years,” Ash said. “We know people are busy — families, jobs, all the things that pull us in different directions. So we’ve adapted by offering flexibility.”
While the council’s membership largely includes retired educators and professionals, Ash said a key goal moving forward is attracting younger members and students.
“It’s a big umbrella — everyone’s welcome,” she said. “We’d love to see more student involvement and more younger folks engaged in what we do.”
Membership costs $25 per year and helps fund the council’s programs. The group’s next membership drive runs through the end of October.
“We exist entirely through the generosity of our members,” Ash said. “We think we provide a real service to the community — a forum for ideas and discussions that connect Owensboro to the wider world.”
For more information or to become a member, email [email protected].
