Tennessee World Affairs Council: Great Decisions Discussion Group

Great Decisions Discussion Groups

Orientation meeting at the Cookeville office of the Tennessee World Affairs Council

February 21, 2008, 7pm

For more details contact the TN WAC office.

Also check the TN WAC Great Decisions Discussion Groups page.

What: “Great Decisions” 2008 Discussion Groups
When: Kickoff meeting Thursday, Feb 21, 7pm
Where: Tennessee World Affairs Council, 31 West First Street, Cookeville
Contact: www.TNWAC.org // (931)230-5732

Global awareness discussion group forming

Cookeville, TN, February 19, 2008 – The Cookeville-based Tennessee World Affairs Council will host a kickoff meeting Thursday night at 7pm for members of the community who want to participate in discussion groups focused on America’s situation in the world. The group will meet about once a month for the eight part series using the format of the “Great Decisions” program.

“The small group discussion format will be a great way to meet fellow citizens who care about America’s role in the world and the opportunities and challenges we face,” according to Council President Patrick Ryan. “The format, using ‘Great Decisions’ briefing materials, allows for informed discussions without any of the participants being expected to be foreign affairs specialists.” He added that the discussion groups encourage fellowship and the free exchange of opinions and experiences. “No one person will dominate the conversation – everyone has an opportunity to discuss their perspectives,” Ryan said.

The “Great Decisions” program topics for 2008 include: “The Way Ahead in Iraq;” “Resurgent Russia;” “The European Union at 50;” “Trade with China;” “Dealing with Adversaries;” “Latin America, Leaning Left?;” “US Defense and Security;” and “American Philanthropy.” The format for the discussions includes reading an article from the briefing book for background information before each meeting of the group. Ryan said, “There are also materials on a ‘Great Decisions’ web site and televised program materials available. He added, “Most people who follow the daily news will be ready to share their insights but the groups help each of us fill in the blanks and gain new perspectives.”

An opinion ballot is taken for each topic and the results are tabulated through the Foreign Policy Association or FPA, which provides the program structure for “Great Decisions,” and are provided to the White House, Congress, the Defense and State Departments, the media and concerned citizens. “The FPA, celebrating its 90the anniversary of support to grassroots involvement in global awareness programs, champions the views of American citizens with leaders and policymakers,” according to Tennessee World Affairs Council President Ryan.

Discussion groups hosted at the Council office in Cookeville’s West Side will include about a dozen participants each but the Council also encourages groups to form within civic organizations, church groups, workplaces and elsewhere in the community. “The ‘Great Decisions’ briefing book and discussion format is ideal for any circle of friends or colleagues to adopt and provide a reason to get together about once a month to discuss, in a structured way, pressing global issues in a way that makes sense to average citizens,” said Council President Ryan, adding, “We are available to help interested groups to organize a ‘Great Decisions’ discussion program in their venue and welcome calls or visits any time to help.”

In addition to organizing discussion groups the Tennessee World Affairs Council, founded last year, brings programs and resources to the community and schools such as distinguished visiting speakers, academic competitions, teacher workshops, business forums and briefings and receptions at the Council’s office.

Information about programs offered by the Tennessee World Affairs Council is available on the web site at: www.TNWAC.org or by visiting the council’s office at 31 West First Street in Cookeville. The phone number is 1-931-230-5732.

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PHOTO CAPTION:
File: http://www.tennessee-world-affairs-council.org/images/2008/press-releases/2008-02-19-discussion-group.jpg
Group discussions, like this one at the Tennessee World Affairs Council office in Cookeville, allow citizens to exchange views on global affairs and widen their perspectives on challenges facing America in the world.