Several times a year, delegations of government officials, journalists, nonprofit organization leaders, and other citizens from foreign countries visit Seattle. Most often, they participate in cultural exchange tours organized by their own governments or the U.S. State Department.

Staff working for the World Affairs Council here in Seattle organizes itineraries for these visitors that include meetings with elected officials, sightseeing, and often times, a conversation about the mission and programs of the Municipal League.

Recently League members met visitors from Indonesia, Japan, Tajikistan, Holland, Australia, Thailand, and Tanzania.

These visits are always interesting and the conversations are sometimes challenging. Our political institutions – and the roles played by the Municipal League and other public interest groups – often seem very extraordinary to visitors. Frequently, their view of the U.S. is incomplete and sometimes biased by media.

Although most of the recent visits occurred with Trustees of the League, all League members are invited to participate. If you would like to be on a list to be notified when a visit is being scheduled, send an email to Put Barber, Chair, at  or call the office.

It’s not quite the same as a cruise on the QEII, but you will get a chance to talk serious politics with some people from across the globe.