Engage
Help Shape the Conversations That Matter
The Conference on World Affairs (CWA) is powered by a community of students, faculty, alumni, staff, and community members who believe thoughtful dialogue and discourse can make a difference.
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Why Get Involved?
Whether you're a faculty member, student, staff member, alum, or community leader, CWA offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. By getting involved, you can:
ÌýÌýHelp shape conversations that influence public understanding.
ÌýÌýShare your expertise and professional network.
ÌýÌýConnect with colleagues across disciplines.
ÌýÌýMentor and inspire the next generation of leaders.
ÌýÌýExpand the impact of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ's teaching, research, and public engagement.
ÌýÌýHelp strengthen one of the nation's longest-running public forums.
How You Can Contribute
There are many ways to support CWA, whether you have a few hours each semester or want to play an active role throughout the year.
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Programming
Help identify emerging issues, recommend speakers, and develop engaging panels and special events.
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Faculty & Academic Engagement
Connect CWA with faculty expertise, academic departments, interdisciplinary research, and classroom opportunities.
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Student Engagement
Support student leadership, experiential learning, and meaningful participation in conference planning.
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Community Engagement
Strengthen relationships with alumni, nonprofits, industry leaders, and community organizations.
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Marketing & Outreach
Help expand awareness of CWA and connect new audiences with the conference.
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Additional Ways to Participate
Recommend a speaker | Serve as a panelist or moderator| Introduce CWA to your department or organization | Volunteer during conference week | Share CWA with your network
What to Expect
CWA is planned throughout the academic year by a collaborative network of volunteers, campus partners, and university staff. Participants can contribute in ways that match their interests, expertise, and availability—from recommending a single speaker to serving on a committee that helps shape conference programming. Most committees meet regularly during the fall semester as programming is developed, with activity increasing as the conference approaches each spring.
Join the Conversation
The future of CWA depends on people who are curious, collaborative, and passionate about public dialogue. Whether you're interested in sharing your expertise, mentoring students, building partnerships, or helping shape conference programming, there's a place for you.
Ready to get involved?
Faculty and graduate student instructors have many ways to use the Conference on World Affairs in service of their spring courses.
The CWA has adjusted its planning schedule, making the speaker list, core themes and conference schedule available earlier for spring semester planning.
For more information, email cwa@colorado.edu.
Year-round and CWA week volunteer opportunities are available to Boulder community members. The CWA program committee is composed of CU students, faculty, staff and community members who volunteer their time to consider the crucial issues of the day, research candidates for CWA and create exciting panels that will challenge our audiences.
The program committee is made up of subcommittees organized by subject area.
Interested in global issues? The Conference on World Affairs has been connecting ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ students with the world for over 75 years. At CWA you can join your fellow Buffs and engage in dynamic discussions about international concerns that will shape the future. ReturnÌýhere for information on the 2026 Conference on World Affairs.Ìý
In collaboration with ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ Forever Buffs Network, CWA is exploring ways to create tailored opportunities for Forever Buffs to network with each other and engage with CWA speakers and attendees each spring. At CWA, you can reconnect with the Boulder campus and community, and explore the issues and topics of the day with us. ReturnÌýhere for information on the 2026 Conference on World Affairs.