About ICFRC
Our Mission:
The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council seeks to promote understanding of international issues by hosting community forums with informed speakers from around the world.
Our Programs:
Founded in 1982, The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) is a non-profit association of community and university people interested in learning more about U.S. foreign policy, world affairs, and current global issues impacting world societies.
The Council provides opportunities for members to hear over thirty experts per year who may be visiting the University of Iowa campus or the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. Meetings are scheduled from August to June to take advantage of these speakers and are held at noon or in the evening in order to allow as wide a participation as possible from the business community, other professionals, the community at large, and students, faculty and staff from the university. Meetings are catered luncheons, dinners or evening desserts, or soup and salad or brown bag lunches. Lunches are held in a convenient downtown location; dinners and desserts are usually held at the University Athletic Club or the Iowa Memorial Union.
Outside speakers as well as University of Iowa faculty and area specialists are featured in the Council's lunch and evening series. After formal presentations, speakers respond to members written questions. This gives the audience an opportunity to address issues covered in the lecture in more depth.The luncheon format allows for an informal and lively exchange of ideas between presenters and those attending. Evening dinners and desserts feature both local and outside speakers in a more formal setting. These programs are broadcast statewide WSUI, The University of Iowa affiliate' National Public Radio and cable TV Channel 4, the City Channel.
The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council is funded by membership dues and contributions from community businesses, individuals, and university offices and organizations. In order to carry out it mission, the Council must be supported by individuals and the community. The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council is located at The University of Iowa’s International Center. Council policy is set by a Board of Directors which employs a half-time Executive Director and a half-time Office Coordinator to manage the organization's affairs and programs.