Special Programs

The Great Decisions program is developed by the Foreign Policy Association, the longest-running civic education initiative in the United States focusing on global affairs.  FCLIR is returning to Great Decisions in a new member discussion format.

Members can register for the entire series or for individual discussions. Each session will be limited to 25 participants.  Hybrid sessions at the Annex will be limited to 14 in person due to space limitations. 

FCLIR will be holding four discussion groups in the fall. See below for more details.

FCLIR has obtained the Great Decisions Briefing Books and will provide them to members who register for the events. You can come to the Library Annex to pick up a copy from Bethany during office hours: 

Office hours:

Monday 8:30am – 3:30pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30am – 2:30pm

If you cannot pick up the book from the Library Annex, we can make other arrangements. Contact the office. Local delivery may be available. Email us at FCLIR@fivecolleges.edu or give us a call at (413) 542-4031. 

Members will be expected to read the corresponding article from the Great Decisions Briefing Book prior to each session. Reading before each session will ensure a rich and engaging exchange of ideas.  The books will need to be returned to the moderator at the end of the discussion to share for future discussions.  

The facilitators will lead the discussions, guiding participants through key background information, short video clips, and open-ended questions designed to promote informed and balanced conversation. 

The goals of the sessions will be:

• To deepen understanding of current global issues and U.S. foreign policy.
• To foster thoughtful, respectful dialogue among members with diverse perspectives. 
• To strengthen our community’s engagement with world affairs through informed discussion.

If the FCLIR membership has a positive response to these sessions, the remaining 2026 Great Decision topics will be held in the fall.

Register here.