How do you set guidelines and parameters for contentious conversations to keep discussions civil? How do you bring voices to the table that have been historically excluded?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Matthew Hughes, CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America. Matthew discusses:How WACA is a trade association of Local Councils around the country that bring diplomats, journalists and professors to communities, to foster discussion and understanding about foreign affairs and global issues.His journey from the education world  to the association world.How and why world affairs should matter to everyone in the US, despite our domestic issues.How WACA develops partnerships with organizations that provide local councils with resources and speakers.How WACA helps local councils put on great programs, run high performing nonprofits, and be sustainable.How the WACA100 trains local council leaders and volunteers for the jobs of running a local council, promoting events, fundraising and running a sustainable organization.How WACA trains local councils to manage difficult discussions around polarizing issues to remain true to WACA’s mission of informed civil discourse.How WACA inspires the next generation of citizens to contribute to the discussion through the Academic WorldQuest program.How WACA’s annual conference last November saw an increase in attendance and was a big success.References:WACA Website Find A Council! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexusLicense code: M2POPMBVFCE0RIPZ