GREAT DECISIONS is a global affairs discussion group that uses Foreign Policy Association “briefing books” as guides to discuss major trends and issues in world affairs. The eight essays in each book are used to present the basic facts that then support the discussion of a particular issue.

The Reston-Herndon Area Branch “Great Decisions” group normally meets at 7:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. If a change of date is necessary to avoid calendar conflicts, members will be notified in a timely manner through an email or ‘evite’ from our Great Decisions chair, Judi Polizzotti or co-chair, Judy Skirbunt. Each month an invitation (‘evite’) with all of the details is sent to all branch members inviting them to join the discussion.

Using a similar format for each topic, the chair/co-chair acts as a facilitator to introduce the topic. Each member is asked to read the article in advance and participate in stimulating and informative discussions, as members expand on the topic by bringing their own experiences, knowledge and research to the subject.

Participants may order the briefing books by going to the Foreign Policy Association website at fpa.org to place an order, or through Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook for a reduced price–  just enter Great Decisions 2021. Copies of individual topics also may be available at your local library.

The first topic to be discussed from the 2023 book was  Energy security in February. (topic #1). Adopting this schedule This aligns our discussions with those offered by the Reston Library.
Other topics for the year will include:
#2 War Crimes (March)
#3 China and America (April)
#4 Economic warfare (May)
#5 Political trends in Latin America (June)
– SUMMER BREAK –
#6 Famine (Sept)
#7 Iran at a crossroads (October)
– Winter Break –
#8 Climate change, environmental degradation and migration (January)

Each month, until in-person meetings are resumed, all branch members will receive an invitation (“evite”) to this the monthly meeting with the Zoom link, ID and password included. Please RSVP to let the facilitator know how many attendees to expect. To participate, you will need a computer (or tablet/smartphone) with a mic and camera to view the video and hear the audio. 

Please consider joining this thought-provoking group. For additional information, please contact Judi at judithpolizzotti <at> gmail.com.

Great Decisions contacts for our branch are:
Judi Polizzotti, Co-Chair and Zoom Host: judithpolizzotti <at> gmail.com
Judy Skirbunt, Co-chair: judy.skirbunt <at> gmail.com

<at> = @ in email address