Great Decisions - 2026

GREAT DECISIONS CLASSES AT WESTMINSTER-CANTERBURY

Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury of the (SVWC) will host the eight Great Decisions classes organized by the Foreign Policy Association again this year. The sessions, scheduled for Mondays from February 2 through March 23, are open to interested area residents at no extra charge. Sessions are free, although an optional guidebook available from the Foreign Policy Association is recommended. (visit fpa.org)

The Foreign Policy Association, founded in 1918, produces source materials for this annual program to educate students and citizens for democracy and the pursuit of peace. “If democracy is to endure, it must be cultivated through education –not merely as a political system, but as a way of life. Education for democracy involves more than teaching civics; it means nurturing both critical thinking and empathy. [Citizens must] navigate a complex world of competing narratives and engage respectfully with differing perspectives.” That is what the Lifelong Learning program at SVWC does every week. This is why SVWC is pleased to offer these sessions to interested Winchester/Frederick County residents.

The schedule of topics and speakers is as follows:

Feb. 2: “America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy” / Dr. Jeff Coker, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, Shenandoah Univ.

Feb. 9: “Trump Tariffs & the Future of the World Economy” / Adam Stewart & Amanda Giangola, United Brokerage Services

Feb. 16: “U.S.-China Relations” / Dr. Bob Bolan, Facilitator of Lifelong Learning, SVWC

Feb. 23: “Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation” / Patrick Farris, Anthropology Instructor, Shepherd University

March 2: “Ukraine & the Future of European Security” / Patrick Farris, Anthropology Instructor, Shepherd University

March 9: “Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order” / Mark Lore, Retired Foreign Service Officer (State Dept.)

March 16: “U.S. Engagement of Africa” / Richard Byess, Retired Foreign Service Officer (USAID)

March 23: “The Future of Human Rights & International Law” / Dr. John Winn, Professor of Business Law, Shenandoah Univ.

Sessions are held on Mondays at 2:00 and conclude between 3:00 and 3:30, depending on the discussion. SVWC is located at 300 Westminster-Canterbury Dr., and visitors should allow a few minutes for parking, registering at the front desk, and getting settled in “The Abbey.” For further information, contact Teresa Barton/Wellness Manager at 540-723-8623 or tbarton@svwc.org.  ‍