Frequently Asked Questions

New Membership Levels

Whether you're new to the World Affairs Council or have been a member for years, from time to time, it's natural that questions may pop up. To better familiarize yourself with our new Membership levels, we’ve compiled answers to some frequently asked questions below. 


If we did not answer your question, please visit the Membership page, or reach out to Bella Beilman, our Membership & Marketing Manager by calling (502) 561-5422 (M-F, 9AM-4PM EST), or emailing bella.beilman@worldkentucky.org.

  • The new program is designed to improve the Member experience and grow our community at The WAC. We’ve taken our Members’ feedback into account and introduced levels and benefits that better reflect what Members value most.

  • Changes to benefits, pricing, and categories went into effect on November 1, 2024. All current Members were notified via email.

  • While most existing levels of Membership are being renamed, we are also introducing two new levels:

    Level name - Price - Description

    Envoy - $60 - Individual Membership to dip your toe in

    Visionary - $2,500 - Lifetime Membership

  • Former name → New name

    • Changes 

    Student Backpacker → Future Diplomats Society

    • Price change from $30 a year → $35 a year

    • No longer student focused, instead focusing on all young adults

    World Traveler → World Traveler Plus

    • Price change from $125 a year → $135 a year

    • One person membership → Two person membership

    Global Leader → Global Duo - $250 a year

    • One (1) complimentary signed book

    • Sponsorship for Future Diplomat Society member

    Ambassador Circle → Global Ambassador Circle

    • Price change from $1000  → $500

    • One (1) complimentary signed book throughout the year

    • Speaker photo opportunities at applicable events

    • Membership recognition lapel pin and other branded gifts

    • Optional recognition of as supporting member on the World Affairs’ website

    Please visit our Membership page to see a full list of current Membership benefits.

  • No, your expiration date will remain the same. If you are uncertain when your Membership expires, you may contact our Membership and Marketing Coordinator to confirm.

  • If you are uncertain when your Membership expires, you may contact our Membership and Marketing Coordinator to confirm.

  • No, if you joined or renewed your Membership prior to November 1, 2024, your level and benefits were updated automatically. If you join or renew following this date, you may only do so with the new current levels.

  • No, guest privileges for Members have not changed. Please visit our Membership page to see your current level's guest admission privileges.

General Information

  • Policies:

    Memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable, unless specifically purchased as a gift

    All categories, benefits, and prices are subject to change

    All Members must be 16 years of age or older to join

    Staff at your Service:

    We are committed to working together to create a safe experience for visitors and our staff. To ensure the safety of our community, we have a zero-tolerance policy for verbal or physical harassment, discriminatory or threatening behavior, or any interference with the experience of others.

    The World Affairs Council reserves the right to refuse or revoke the admission or membership of anyone whose conduct violates Visitor Guidelines.

  • Please contact the Membership and Marketing Coordinator via email or phone to update your information. Include your name and anything you’d like to update in your message.

  • Due to processing time, renewal notices and payments may cross in the mail.

    For the most immediate access to your benefits, please renew online or over the phone. If you send your renewal information by mail, please monitor your billing statements. Your Membership will be active following that payment's processing.

  • All WAC events are open to people of all ages but some may be more relevant and the content more appropriate for ages 13+. It is important to note that most WAC events will have alcoholic beverages and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult unless specifically stated.

  • We would prefer if members would register for events online beforehand in the member portal.

    Or, we offer in-person registration at the door.

  • We are currently considering how we will offer these opportunities.

  • Pokehana

    Jin Doshirak

    Cheer King Star

    Green District

    Vincenzo’s

    The GRÜV Sports Bar & Lounge

    Sunergos Coffee

    Jimmy Johns

    Potbelly

    Smashburger

    Dunkin

    Chipotle

  • Street Parking is available. After 6:00 PM, all street parking is free.

    Alternatively, there's a garage nearby. The best address to put into maps would be 536 W Market St, Louisville, KY 40202

    Alternatively, there's an open parking lot nearby. The best address to put into maps would be 430 W Liberty St, Louisville, KY, 40202

Membership

  • Members may join or renew:

    • Online by clicking here.

    • By calling 212-570-3753 (M-F 9AM-5PM ET)

    • In person at any Membership desk during regular Museum hours.

    • By mail via check to:

      The World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern IN.

      Attn: Membership Department

      223 S. 5th Street, Louisville, KY 40202

    For the most immediate access to your benefits, please renew online or over the phone. If you send your renewal information by mail, please monitor your billing statements. Your Membership is active from the payment’s processing date.

    To ensure the funds are properly allocated, please write “Membership Dues” and your Member ID number in the Memo section of your check.

    Please feel free to check your Membership status by contacting us.

  • Memberships are valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. All benefits are accessible from the date of purchase.

  • We offer different options designed around the ways The WAC fits into your life. Please click here for a full list of available Memberships.

    The Young Diplomats Society is a dynamic group of young patrons of the arts in their 20s and 30s who enjoy a closer connection to The WAC. For more information, click here.

    General donations to the WAC support the organization's priorities and general operating expenses. Gifts to the WAC are tax-deductible and provide critical funding for everything we do at The World Affairs Council of Kentucky, allowing us to stay true to our mission. No matter the amount, each gift makes a difference. To donate online, click here.

  • If you would like to upgrade to enjoy more benefits, you may do so by contacting the Membership and Marketing Coordinator by phone or by email.

  • Members at the World Traveler+, Global Duo, & Global Ambassador Circle levels may designate a second member. If no second member is specified, the second membership will read “Guest of [Member Name].”

    To add or change a second member’s name, please contact the Membership and Marketing Coordinator by emailing bella.beilman@worldkentucky.org with your name, and address, or by calling (502) 561-5422 (M-F 9AM-4PM EST).

  • Each Membership level includes admission for at least one accompanied adult guest (the member).

    There are dual memberships available and certain levels offer guest tickets. For more information, click here.

Payment and Purchase Options

  • We are currently researching how to make this possible.

  • The World Affairs Council of Kentucky and S. IN accepts the following payments for Membership: cash (on-site only), check, credit card, and wire transfer.

    For information regarding payment via wire transfer, please check with your financial planner, and then contact the Membership office.

    All Memberships include non-tax deductible goods and services that may not be declined. Please contact the Membership office for further information on how this may affect your giving.

  • No, we believe that our new membership levels are very accessible.

  • The Automatic Renewal program ensures that your support of The WAC is ongoing, while helping the organization save on resources.

    You can enroll in Automatic Renewal by contacting the Membership Department, or by selecting the option to enroll when joining or renewing online.

    The WAC will send an annual reminder to the email address provided on your account before your credit card is charged.

    You may opt out of the Automatic Renewal program at any time by notifying the Membership and Marketing Coordinator by phone or by email.

    Please note we do not offer Automatic Renewal for Gift Memberships.

  • We do not offer membership refunds. The only time a refund is offered is if you were charged incorrectly.

  • A portion of each Membership contribution is tax deductible. Please see here for information about the tax-deductible portion of each level.

    If you would like a copy of your tax acknowledgment letter please email the Membership and Marketing Coordinator. Please include your name, mailing address, and date of payment in question.

    For more information about your benefits, please contact the Membership and Marketing Coordinator.

  • Unfortunately, since we offer a combined ticket and membership price for each individual event, any other admission ticket cannot be posthumously applied.

  • Matched gifts may not be applied towards Membership dues.

    For information regarding donations via matching gift please check with your company, and then contact the Membership and Marketing Coordinator.

Benefits

  • Yes, on top of member discounts to all WAC programs and events, we partner with other community organizations to offer exclusive member discounts.

  • Membership Emails: You will be subscribed to Members-only news, invitations and updates when you join or renew and provide an email address.

    Member Site: Our Member Site is a hub for members to use to their advantage. It includes anytime access to upcoming events, programs, and content.

    If you would like to provide or change an email address, please email contact@worldkentucky.org or call the Membership and Marketing Coordinator Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm at (502) 561-5422.

  • We are currently considering how we will offer this opportunity.

Events and Programs

  • All programs available to members will be listed in the member portal.

  • With certain memberships, you get a second membership that may be used for guests.

    Other membership levels come with a guest pass for events.

    There is not any other option to get guest tickets, they will need to purchase tickets at community ticket price.

  • We are currently considering how we will offer this opportunity.