Off the Record of the Foreign Policy Association

Off the Record® (OTR) is the longest running women's foreign policy lecture series in the United States. Created under the aegis of the Foreign Policy Association in New York City in 1938, OTR is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing awareness and broadening perspectives of foreign policy issues through lectures. Public discourse has always been an essential element of America's democratic traditions. Led by a volunteer Board of Governors, OTR is a part of that tradition and provides a unique forum for businesspersons, academics, diplomats, educators, and engaged citizens to hear and question renowned foreign policy practitioners and thinkers on a regular basis. Off the Record's mission is to provide a forum for its members to listen to and question leading experts about current and emerging global issues. 

Off the Record was created by 19 prominent women, including Eleanor Robson Belmont (later known as Mrs. August Belmont), to give women a greater voice in foreign policy discussions. OTR was founded as a series of lectures solely for women, to be conducted in smaller, more intimate groups and "off the record,” so that speakers would not be quoted in the press. Today, OTR enables our 400+ members (both men and women) and their guests to hear and to question renowned foreign policy leaders and thinkers on a regular basis. OTR is a non-profit, non-partisan organization.