Discussing foreign policy issues at the local level is the focus of a group that welcomes conversation from all ages.
Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs, said Sue Nordquist, who helped get the local effort on its feet.
“The future belongs to those who see global issues as challenges worthy of our best thought processes and greatest efforts,” she said about the program in Minnesota International Center newsletter. “I welcome the challenge of examining global issues with members of my community including my students, colleagues, neighbors and friends. I believe in education that provides knowledge of other languages and cultures, builds international awareness on foreign policy and contributes to a more just and peaceful world.”
Meetings, facilitated by community members, are conducted from 4 to 5:30 p.m. once a month at the International Falls Public Library meeting room in the lower level. Meetings offer a variety of topics from Egypt to Myanmar. According to the Foreign Policy Association, which sponsors the program, Great Decisions 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.
The effort started locally in 2006 after Nordquist attended the Minnesota International Center Great Decisions Conference in New York. The conference inspired the former Falls High Spanish teacher to spearhead a local effort at Falls High School or Rainy River Community College, she said.
“I received thousands of dollars worth of materials (from MIC) to get things started,” Nordquist said.
However, neither local learning institutions were interested in offering a class. That didn’t stop Nodquist. She turned her focus to creating a community group.
“At any given meeting, we have anywhere from five to 55 people attend,” she said of the meetings still held today.
Nordquist said for those who attend the meetings, there is material to read and discussion questions to prompt conversation. She added attendees are welcome to come and listen, too.
“This is an educational group, not an action group,” she said. “It’s to learn and to converse and become better global citizens in our local community and our entire world.”
For more information, contact Nordquist at 283-8687 or Diane Adams at the library if a group of students or individuals are planning to attend the discussion. Materials will be provided to all guests.
