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General News: Foreign Policy Discussion Group Forms
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| The foreign policy discussion will follow ideas in this book. |
January 18, 2010
From the Cornwall Public Library
Cornwall Public Library is organizing a new discussion group entitled “Great Decisions,” composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. Monthly meetings will take place in the library’s community room and will be a “safe” environment providing everyone with the opportunity to speak.
Each participant’s point of view carries equal weight and everyone is encouraged to share opinions and ideas. Consensus is not a goal. Discussion Group participants do not attempt to “convert” participants. There is a mutual respect for each member’s experiences, value systems and beliefs. The true focus of the Discussion Group is the critical examination of all issues and opinions, each recognized as equally valid.
Any individual with an interest in expanding his/her knowledge of international relations as well as engaging in active discussion of crucial global issues is welcome to join. Great Decisions is used by a wide range of people. Participation is not limited to those with an expert knowledge of foreign affairs.
Great Decisions groups are centered around the Great Decisions briefing book. This well-researched annual publication provides eight timely global topics to be read by group participants. Participants should read the briefing book articles prior to group meetings, in order to guarantee that all discussion group members come together form the same point of reference, with the same facts and basic understanding of the issues to be discussed.
Everyone is encouraged to share his/her thoughts and each participant’s point of view carries equal weight. Each group has a leader, who organizes meeting times and dates. The group leader leads a balanced discussion of Great Decisions topics. At the conclusion of each discussion, participants fill out opinion ballots, which are then collected by the Group Leader so they may be tabulated for the National Opinion Ballot Report. In addition to the briefing book and opinion ballots, Great Decisions discussion groups may also utilize the Teacher’s Guide, Great Decisions Television Series and the Great Decisions Online e-newsletter to study a topic more closely.
The Foreign Policy Association strives to help Americans gain a better understanding and interest in significant world issues in the belief that in a democracy a concerned and informed public is the foundation for an effective foreign policy. Through the Opinion Balloting process, the Great Decisions program not only facilitates greater citizen understanding of important global issues, but offers Americans an opportunity to make their views known to policymakers.
A participant’s responsibilities are:
• When signing up, participants are agreeing to participate in all (or most) of the discussions, that will take place on a monthly basis.
• You are urged to read the topic information prior to the group discussion, and do further research on the topic if you wish additional information.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Karen LaRocca-Fels, library director, at 534-8044 or via e-mail: [email protected]
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