
Tennessee
World Affairs Council -- Discussion Groups
What
is the Great Decisions Discussion Group?
There
is an avalanche of information on world affairs
available in newspapers, on television and through
the Internet. Making sense of it all,
however, is sometimes difficult, especially what
it all means to people in our community. The
discussion program is a small group of friends,
neighbors and others from around town who get
together to review global affairs topics of major
consequence to the United States.
What
experience is necessary?
No
one in the discussion group is expected to have
special education or insight on foreign
affairs. Group members come from all
vocations and backgrounds and share one thing --
an interest in learning about current
international topics and sharing their opinion
among a small group of people in a comfortable
environment.
What
is discussed?
The
group uses a selection of topics in a booklet
produced by the Foreign Policy Association for the
specific purpose of providing background material
to set the table for the group. The group is
free to modify the scope of its discussions,
invite guest speakers to provide introductions and
any other modifications that suit the group's
preferences. The topics for 2009 from the
Great Decisions booklet are: Rising Powers;
Afghanistan/Pakistan; Energy; Arctic; Egypt, Food;
Cuba; and Human Rights.
When
does the group meet?
The
TN World Affairs Council organized an
"in-house" discussion group last year
and will repeat again in 2009. We welcome new
members to the "in-house" group. People
who are interested in forming other groups can
receive assistance from TN WAC to set up a
discussion group using the GDDG
"template" -- groups could be formed
among members of civic organizations; church
groups, students, etc. The group sets its
own schedule in covering the eight topics.
The TN WAC "in-house" group will meet on
Thursday evenings at 7pm on the following
dates: Feb 26; Mar 12, 26; Apr 9, 23, 30;
May 14, 28. Other nights of the week and
scheduling for "in-house" groups can be
arranged depending on interest. There is no
need to make every group session. Each topic
stands on its own.
February 26 -- Great Decisions Discussion #1 - “Rising Powers” - 6:30pm - Cookeville
March 12 -- Great Decisions Discussion #2 - “Afghanistan/Pakistan” - 6:30pm - Cookeville
March 26 -- Great Decisions Discussion #3 - “Energy” - 6:30pm - Cookeville
April 9 -- Great Decisions #4 - “Arctic” - 6:30pm - Cookeville
April 23 -- Great Decisions Discussion #5 - “Egypt” - 6:30pm - Cookeville
April 30 -- Great Decisions Discussion #6 - “Food” - 6:30pm - Cookeville
May 14 -- Great Decisions Discussion #7 - “Cuba” - 6:30pm - Cookeville
May 28 -- Great Decisions Discussion #8 - “Human Rights” - 6:30pm - Cookeville |
What
happens at a meeting?
Group
members may arrive early to socialize or to watch
a Great Decisions video program -- a discussion of
that night's topic featuring subject matter
experts providing background. At the meeting
time the group, usually 10-12 participants, gather
to open discussion of the topic. Some
meetings may be kicked off with brief introductory
comments from a member of the group or an invited
guest who has insight into the night's
topic. Group members are free to bring their
own refreshments or may find them available at the
meeting room (donations to TN WAC cheerfully
accepted to ensure hospitality items are
available).
What
does it cost?
The
Great Decisions book is $20 and some copies are
available at the Tennessee World Affairs Council
or can be ordered online at www.FPA.org
. For participants at the
"in-house" group, the Tennessee World
Affairs Council asks that you join the council as
a member (individual - $40/year; family -
$60/year). Check the Council web site for
information on membership benefits.
What
do you "get out of it"?
Fellowship
and socializing with a circle of friends;
increased understanding of important global
issues; the opportunity to share and refine your
views about what's happening in the world.
How
do you get more information about the Great
Decisions Discussion Groups?
Visit
the open house at the Tennessee World Affairs
Council on Thursday, February 12 at 7pm or contact
Pat Ryan at the Council (615-523-9600) or visit
the Council's office at 31 West First Street,
Cookeville, TN 38501 -- across from Leslie Town
Center.
PROGRAMS
The
programs of the Tennessee World Affairs Council can
be roughly divided between those developed for
community groups, town hall meetings and so forth,
and those appropriate for educational outreach in
our schools. However, some programs, like the
distinguished visiting speaker program, are
appropriate for all audiences.
Your feedback and participation will be greatly
appreciated as we work to bring these programs to
our community and schools. For more
information on volunteering to help
click here.
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Community Programs
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School Programs
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Contact us
for more information and to
join,
support,
and
participate. Just drop us an
email at:
info@Tennessee-World-Affairs-Council.org |