The IRC offers a range of programs to grow a global perspective and highlight international connections within our community. We warmly welcome your involvement; please check out the different sections of our website and feel free to contact Evan Verploegh, Executive Director, for more information.

Expert Speakers and Discussion Groups

  • IRC Lecture Programs: We bring together dignitaries, foreign-policy experts, and regional leaders to discuss, debate, and engage the local community in issues of international scope and local relevance.
  • IRC Roundtables: We gather as a community to discuss current events and local connections to 7 unique world regions, discussing world affairs with depth and nuance. We’re often joined by special guests: Academics, Peace Corps veterans, Fulbright Awardees, and the local changemakers who add to the mosaic of KC’s global community!
  • International Book Club: Participants read a book (either a nonfiction book about a global affairs topic, or a fiction book set abroad), and discuss the themes together with the help of a locally sourced subject matter expert.
  • Virtual Programs: Hour-long programs featuring subject matter experts from across the globe, with a speaker presentation followed by a moderated Q&A that includes audience questions. Programs are able to be viewed at home, and IRC members (and their guests) will be invited to watch programs at Park39 and participated in a follow-up discussion!

Student Programs

  • Academic WorldQuest: Each year since 2006, the IRC has offered high-school students the chance to showcase their knowledge of world affairs, geography, history, and world events; the winning team receives an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the national tournament.
  • Eliot S. Berkley Award: Each year, in memory of our founder and longtime executive director, Eliot S. Berkley, the International Relations Council presents this award to an exceptional high-school junior or senior who has demonstrated superior academic interest and competence in international studies. The award includes a $500 scholarship.
  • Your Global Future: This unique college and career fair brings together dozens of international businesses, organizations, and colleges and universities to show hundreds of area high-school students just how global their future can be.

IRC Signature Programs

  • Berkley Lecture: Founded in 1996, this lecture brings an expert in foreign policy and global affairs to the Kansas City area to provide a platform for engaging community members in understanding critical global issues.
  • WorldQuest: We host a global trivia night for 200+ business professionals, academic faculty, students, and community members.
  • Global Honors Evening: For more than 30 years, the IRC has recognized individuals or organizations for a variety of contributions – to foreign policy and global affairs, to international commerce, or to the Kansas City community.