We've been participating in an 8 week program at the 92nd St Y called Great Decisions 2007. It's an annual program of the Foreign Policy Association intended to provide a forum for education and discussion of global issues for citizens. Each year different, relevant topics are discussed at multiple seminars. The FPA has been doing this for over 50 years. There are over 100 programs a year at locations across the country. We first heard about it from our friends Allan and Ellen Sharfstein who participated in Florida.
This year, the topics include:
- War Crimes
- Mexico - a neighbor in turmoil
- Children - helping world's endangered
- Central Asia - three powers competing for resources
- Climate Change - and global warming
- South Africa - facing new challenges
- International Migration in a global economy
- The Middle East - the US role
An annual FPA discussion guide is included with readings for each topic. In addition, each week a handout is distributed with current readings for the this week's and next week's topics. The format varies based on group size and location with meetings taking place during the day or in the evenings. Our group of 16 meets for 1 1/2 hours after lunch and is comprised mostly of women (there is one and sometimes two men besides myself). The group begins with a discussion of current events of interest to the group which may or may not be related to the days topic. The discussion is always surprisingly thoughtful and interesting. Not surprisingly, I'm generally the most business-oriented and conservative in the discussions - but I'm frequently surprised by the depth of knowledge and perception of most of the comments. There is noone in the group I would describe as not making a positive contribution. Interestingly, the course, as presented in Florida, had a completely different format. There were about 600 participants in a large auditorium with the FPA discussion leader presenting the material with slides and brief Q&A period at the end. Ordinarily, I would have preferred that format, but the quality of the discussion in this group has changed my mind. Hopefully, the group will be as good next year.
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