The World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley (New York) was founded in 2003 and serves Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange Counties. WACMHV is a forum for citizen education, participation in international issues, and the role of the United States in the global community. Members enjoy such benefits as invitations to all events, discounts on select publications, and support for youth education programs that increase students? knowledge of global issues. Over the course of the year, the Council holds a large variety of guest speaker events, the Academic World Quest competition for local high school students, the Student World Affairs Conference for area college students, and engages in community events such as the Great Decisions discussion series, a partnership program with the Poughkeepsie Library District.