[Publib] great ideas groups - experiences with NIF or FPA

[Bruce Brigell]

Skokie Public Library looked at both National Issues Forum [NIF] and
Great Decisions [GD] from the Foreign Policy Assn. a little over a year
ago.

A couple of our staff members took moderator training from NIF. This was
very valuable training in how to control a discussion on controversial
issues--to keep people on topic and analyze issues rather than emote on
them. The down side of NIF for us was the focus on the deliberative
process leading toward a concensus based plan of action. We did not feel
this fit the role of the library. We were more interested in a
discussion group aimed at better understanding issues, not necessarily
leading to a group action-oriented outcome. 

We decided to form a Great Decisions discussion group. The Foreign
Policy Assn. provides a book of readings, discussion questions and 30
minute video segments to begin discussions. The topics for 2007 have
included Immigration policy, South Africa, Climate Change, Middle East,
Central Asia and Mexico. We have had as many as 25 people attend, though
the core group numbers from 10-15 people. Participants can submit an
opinion ballot to the FPA after each session.  

My only criticism of GD is that sometimes the topics are rather broad to
cover in depth in a couple of hours. To do the topics justice, I think
they should be a little more focused. 

You can view the topics and read more about the program at
http://www.fpa.org/topics4707/topics.htm

Bruce Brigell
Skokie Public Library

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of elizabeth fraser
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 8:34 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] great ideas groups - experiences with NIF or FPA


Hi
  We are looking to start a great ideas style discussion group.
The National Issues  Forum and the Foreign Policy Association, both have
annual programs with prepared materials.  Has anyone done either and
what were your experiences like?  Have you used a different groups
discussion series and what did you think of it?  Thanks so much 

Elizabeth

-- 
Elizabeth Fraser
Reference Services Head
Kanawha County Public Library
123 Capitol St
Charleston WV 25301