G6-6: Great Decisions

 [REGISTRATION CLOSED 1/23/24]

The first "Great Decisions" group was launched in Portland, Oregon in 1954 by the Foreign Policy Association's (FPA) Vice President Roger Mastrude. Based on face-to-face, active and informal conversation, participants would read a fact sheet on each of the eight topics before meetings, where they aired their respective views and opinions. FPA would tally up opinion ballots and report the results to the Department of State. The program gained media attention, was picked up by local schools, and soon gained national attention. Today, Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs with tens of thousands of participants taking part in discussions nationwide annually. The program model now involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book, reviewing optional additional resources and meeting in a discussion group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. Each year, the eight featured topics are chosen by a panel of experts. To join in the discussion participants are required to purchase the current Great Decisions Briefing Book through the club and familiarize themselves with the topics set for discussion. Over the course of 8 sessions, the discussion leader will provide a brief summary of the topic before engaging group discussion. Please remember to be respectful and to keep discussion civil.

Purpose: Over the course of 8 sessions discuss in a group setting the most critical global issues facing the U.S.

Facilitator: Bill Krein