The Sarasota World Affairs Council's mission is to foster a greater understanding of world affairs among members and the local community through a notable speakers? series, educational outreach programs, transnational people-to-people diplomacy, and the development of a network of contacts and joint programs abroad. SWAC aims to promote a community learning forum through which individual members can participate and gain access to the global community and develop current and informed knowledge of international affairs while building stronger cross-cultural ties.