Not Registered? SIGN UP Sign up for newsletters, alerts and more About » Bookstore Events » Great Decisions » About the program Topic Resources Program Materials Start a group FAQ Membership » ABOUT THE GREAT DECISIONS DISCUSSION PROGRAM Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching the DVD and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. Each year, eight topics are chosen by a panel of experts. The first "Great Decisions" group was launched in Portland, Oregon in 1954 by FPA's Vice President Roger Mastrude. Based on the so-called "Avon" model of face-to-face, active and informal conversation, participants would read a fact sheet on each of the eight topics before meetings, where they aired their respective views and opinions. FPA would tally up opinion ballots and report the results to the Department of State. The program gained media attention, was picked up by local schools, and soon gained national attention. The grassroots, face-to-face model adopted by Great Decisions more than 50 years ago continues today, with tens of thousands of participants taking part in discussions nationwide annually. Anyone can start or join a group and register it online with the Foreign Policy Association. The program provides background information and policy options for the eight most critical issues facing America each year and serves as the focal text for discussion groups across the country. Topic Resources Outer Space Changing Demographics (Bonus Article) Climate Change Russia and the U.S. Myanmar and ASEAN Quad Alliance Drug Policy in Latin America Industrial Policy Biden's Agenda Announcements Great Decisions 2022 Topics!! United States and China should set up a Strategic Pandemic Command FPA Report: “The Telegram, A China Agenda for Pres. Biden” Great Decisions 2021 eBook! Events Upcoming Events Past Events Event Video Post an Event Great Decisions Topics Materials Groups Television Membership About Become a Member Manage Profile Contact membership About Mission History Press Contact © Copyright 2021 Foreign Policy Association , 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10176