World Affairs Merger with The Commonwealth Club Final

I am very pleased to announce that the merger between World Affairs and The Commonwealth Club of California became official on November 1. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our members, as well as our Board of Trustees and our staff for their support, leadership and trust. This is a great day for World Affairs, and I’m excited about the possibilities ahead.

I am also pleased to add that our former counterparts at The Commonwealth Club, the staff and members are equally energized about what the newly-formed Commonwealth Club World Affairs (CCWA) can do together as we move quickly in the months ahead to foster greater connections among all members, enhance learning for those who join us and help all take concrete and meaningful action.

Check out a recent news segment from ABC7’s Dan Ashley about the merger featuring myself and Co-CEO Gloria Duffy.

Our World Affairs members are no doubt asking: what happens now?

Our transition team is working to integrate all aspects of our two organizations into one. This is no easy feat, and it will take some time. We know there are many questions about membership, programming, and chapter opportunities, among others. I appreciate everyone’s patience as the staff works out the details of how this new organization will meet our members’ expectations and more.

For now, please be advised of the following:

• All in-person programs, unless otherwise noted, will now take place at the Commonwealth Club World Affairs building at 110 The Embarcadero in San Francisco.
• All World Affairs Chapter programs (East Bay, Marin, Napa Valley and Peninsula) will continue to take place in their usual locations and venues.
• You can continue to find upcoming programs on our website and on The Commonwealth Club’s website. We will operate our websites separately for the time being. I hope you come out soon to the state-of-the art building at 110 Embarcadero. Right next door is Boulevard, which recently made The New York Times’ list of top 25 San Francisco restaurants, where you can get dinner or a cocktail after a program, or check out all the delights of the Ferry Building right across the street.
• You can continue to hear our radio show “On Shifting Ground with Ray Suarez” weekly at 10:00 PM PT on Mondays on KQED 88.5 FM, or download it as a podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Our staff remains on hand to answer any questions by phone at (415) 293-4609 between 9:00 am—5:00 pm PT or email at communications@worldaffairs.org.

Thank you again for sticking with us during this exciting time. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Philip Yun
Co-CEO
Commonwealth Club World Affairs (CCWA)