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A respectful exchange of ideas
By Karen Bishop and Louise Smith
PHOTO BY ANNE MARSHALL
The Current Issues Club offers an objective evironment in which to discuss a wide range of topics. Courtesy guidelines
are followed to encourage mutual respect among participants.
If you want to discuss hot topics with There is always someone who has The monthly programs begin with an
your neighbors and friends without familiarity with the topic. Residents introduction to the topic. If appropriate,
partisan politics, the Current Issues attend because they want to contribute, a guest speaker or speakers may provide
Club (CIC) is a good place to do it. The learn from others and gather more insight background on an issue. The ultimate
club’s mission statement is: “The Current into the issues. value of the program depends on the
Issues Club provides a nonpartisan questions and comments provided by
environment where a respectful exchange The club has discussed a wide variety the participants during the discussion
of ideas among members promotes of international, national, state and following the introduction. Members
discussion and a deeper understanding local issues. Ideas for future topics are express their views or ask questions and
of current issues.” One club member said, developed by the membership through have a two-minute limit. Guests may
“I learn something new every time. I go program evaluations, email and group participate toward the end of the program,
home and think about it.” discussion. The Discussion SIG is a small, as time allows. A meeting participant
informal meeting where attendees raise commented in a written evaluation of
The club was chartered in January subjects of interest to them. Multiple one program: “Enjoyed the different
2014. When the club’s concept was first current topics are covered at each meeting. perspectives. The discussion has inspired
described, many thought that it would The CIC executive board reviews the me to seek out different news sources,
never work in Sun City. But it does! The suggestions and presents four topics from searching for the real facts for myself.”
more than 200 members and guests which the members can choose during the
follow courtesy guidelines that allow program meeting. We hope you will explore the Current
participants to express their views. Issues Club’s website and review previous
Members are encouraged to assist in program topics to learn more about what
Every Sun City resident is welcome. the research of each topic. The research we discuss and come to our monthly
Members of the community have a chairperson gathers the information and meetings.
rich variety of opinions, experiences, prepares a background information sheet
professions, regional insights, education, that is posted and emailed to the members
military duty and community service. prior to the program.
92 | SUNRAYS MARCH 2016 ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
