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A Great Decisions Discussion Group is composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. A Discussion Group forms when one person organizes others in his or her community, job, group of friends or school who are interested in discussing international issues.

Meetings take place at homes, schools, community centers, churches and libraries. Participants consider discussion groups a "safe" environment because they provide 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, because 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.

Who can participate in Great Decisions discussion groups?

Anyone with an interest in expanding his/her knowledge of international relations and engaging in active discussion of crucial global issues is welcome to join. Great Decisions is used by a wide range of people, from high school students to retirees, and participation is not limited to those with an expert knowledge of foreign affairs.

What materials are used in the discussion groups, and what guidelines must be followed?

Great Decisions discussion 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 from the same point of reference, with the same facts and basic understanding of the issues to be discussed. Everyone is encouraged to share his or her thoughts and each participant's point of view carries equal weight.

Each group has a group 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 Great Decisions Television Series DVD set, Teacher's Guide, and the Great Decisions Online e-newsletter in order to study a topic more closely.

Order Great Decisions materials from our bookstore

Where do discussion groups typically meet?

Great Decisions is used in community-based discussion groups, schools and universities, civic and religious institutions, and retirement communities - all of which share a common belief in the need for popular education in international affairs.

Discussion groups are a welcome addition to any daytime program at libraries, YMCA's, YWCA's, Institutes for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at local colleges, Senior Centers and other community institutions.

Why is involvement in a Great Decisions discussion group worthwhile? 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.

Read a recent edition of the National Opinion Ballot Report

How can I locate a discussion group in my area or start my own group?

The key to starting a discussion group is finding a discussion leader. If you share our educational ideals and would be interested in fulfilling this role, FPA WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU. The discussion leader is not expected to be a 'font of wisdom' and no specific knowledge of foreign policy or international affairs is required. His or her primary role will be to mediate the discussion and enable a fair exchange of ideas on each of the eight issues in the briefing book. The measure of a good discussion leader is the ability to draw the most from each group participant.

To find a discussion group in your community, click here and search our database by state.

You can also download the The Great Decisions Program Guide to get started with your own discussion group today.

Great Decisions promotional brochures and posters are also available and are the perfect way to tell people about your discussion group.

If you have any further questions or would like to request these complimentary promotional materials, please contact FPA at programs@fpa.org or 800-628-5754 ext. 250.