The Tennessee World Affairs Council was organized to develop and deliver informative and educational programs to the community and students.  These programs include those developed locally to meet specific needs in our area and those available through the national network of World Affairs Councils.

The availability of these programs is directly related to the funding made available by support from individuals like you, as well as corporate giving programs and foundation grant making.  Please help make these important programs available through your generous support.

Tennessee World Affairs Council -- Discussion Groups

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.

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.

Contact us for more information and to join, support, and participate.  Just drop us an email at:
info@Tennessee-World-Affairs-Council.org