Now Hiring for 2021!
World Affairs Seminar Staff Counselors and Nurses are highly valued and the backbone of the WAS seminar experience. They have a strong desire to serve the community and world at large. Throughout the week they create a safe, positive, and fun environment, while facilitating the extensive academic curriculum as a cohesive and well-trained leadership team. WAS Staff Counselors come from a variety of backgrounds including guidance counselors, teachers, librarians, business professionals, college students, and past participants.
World Affairs Seminar 2021
Cities: Urban Life in a Changing World
June 19-25, 2021
Our 2021 program is 100% virtual (click here for more information). We still need a full group of facilitators to help ensure the success of our program. World Affairs Seminar is seeking 12-16 qualified candidates for our virtual facilitator positions. The commitment is significant, however flexible. If interested in supporting our 2021 program, please complete the application materials below. After submission, our staff will be in touch with you about next steps and scheduling.
General Application
Click Here to apply online now, step one of three towards completing your application.
Youth Activities Affidavit
Click Here to download & complete Rotary’s Youth Activities Affidavit, required for all staff and counselors.
Seminar Staff
Thomas M. Plantenberg, MS, BA,CFRE
Executive Director
Tom Plantenberg assumed the position of Executive Director of the World Affairs Seminar in 2008. He has reorganized the Board of Directors and created a multi-national, high-profile Advisory Board. Tom Plantenberg is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). He is accredited by the Association of Health Care Philanthropy, and a Fellow and Past President of the Wisconsin Hospital Public Relations and Marketing Society. He retired in 2007 from the U.S. Navy Reserve at the rank of Captain.
Stuart Schmidt
Program Administrator
Stuart Schmidt graduated in 2017 from Northland College with degrees in Sustainable Community Development and Sociology. He attended World Affairs Seminar as a high school delegate, and has since found passion in supporting youth empowerment through education. Stuart joins the WAS staff with experience in higher education, youth program development, fundraising and donor management, and skills in web development and photography. He has held several different roles with World Affairs Seminar, including as staff counselor, Senior Staff, and Web Developer. In his current role, he coordinates the registration process, manages delegate room assignments, coordinates meals, manages the website & social media, and provides a host of other services for staff, sponsors, and delegates.
Michael Carriere, PhD
Academic Dean
Dr. Carriere is an Associate Professor and Director of the University Scholars Honors Program with the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He has extensive experience in curriculum development, international affairs, politics of disaster, urban development, civics and international history.
Dr. Carriere brings a wealth of creative energy and enthusiasm, to his position. He has developed and is applying an innovative set of changes to advance the texture and scope of the World Affairs Seminar, including broadening the scope of break-out sessions and integrating service projects into the capstone process. His high level of experience in academics and international education adds considerable depth to WAS.
Marie Furrer
Office Manager & Registrar
Marie joined WAS in 2020, bringing 20 years of administration experience and a wealth of knowledge to the organization. Her past positions supporting the administrative and organizational needs of a busy high school as well as several other large organizations have equipped her well in her role.