Great Decisions in the Library

Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The name is shared by a national civic-education program, briefing book, teacher’s guide and PBS television series produced by the Foreign Policy Association. The Great Decisions program highlights eight critical foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. In libraries across the country, Great Decisions discussion group participants discuss and debate each issue and complete a national opinion ballot to communicate their views to Congress and the White House. Supported by the Foreign Policy Association for over 50 years, Great Decisions involves citizens in the foreign policy making process.
 
Great Decisions also benefits libraries by boosting library use and providing the library an opportunity to promote its collection and cross-promote other relevant programming.
 
There are countless benefits to having Great Decisions at your library or organization, but here are a few. Great Decisions:
 

  • Reflects your community’s global perspective by bringing foreign policy issues home.
  • Creates more able learners through lively debate, exploratory conversations and inspiring interest in world affairs.
  • Fosters and nurtures civic participation through the National Opinion Ballot Report, an annual report compiled from Great Decisions participants’ views on the eight topics for that year and by raising awareness of critical national issues.
  • Provides a dynamic framework for community discussion.
  • Enriches communities through a free exchange of ideas.