Foreign Affairs Discussion Group

Foreign Affairs Discussion Groups

FOREIGN AFFAIRS DISCUSSION GROUPS

As we navigate this complex time in history, Network 20/20 is proud to create high-quality programming that exposes our participants to new world views and innovative policy solutions. Going beyond traditional briefings, we are delighted to offer a new program designed to give our participants an opportunity to voice their own ideas and engage with a diverse group of individuals.

Network 20/20’s Foreign Affairs Discussion Groups are designed to give non-foreign policy experts as well as those with background knowledge the opportunity to voice their own ideas on select topics in international relations and engage with a group of individuals from across the U.S. and world.

Whether policy expert or international affairs novice, you are invited to join us for our Foreign Affairs Discussion Groups to meet your peers and dive into the latest happenings around the world!

Upcoming Sessions

 
Structure of the Discussion Groups
Each session of the Foreign Affairs Discussion Groups is designed to foster rigorous discussion as well as to create an opportunity to meet and engage with other curious individuals. Prior to each session, participants will receive suggested reading/viewing materials about the topic and a list of participants with (optional) professional contact information. We encourage you to get to know your fellow participants and partake in thoughtful debate.
*To maintain an intimate discussion, we will limit the group to 30 participants.


 
Selection Process
To maintain a rich discussion experience, the Foreign Affairs Discussion Groups is limited to 30 participants. Priority access will be given to Network 20/20 members. The rest of the group will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis with the caveat that we will ensure a group with diverse nationalities, genders, and ages.

 
Discussion Leader
Each breakout room will have one Discussion Leader to keep the conversation moving and to ensure everyone has a chance to speak. Discussion Leaders do not have to be experts in the topic of that session, but rather curious individuals who can encourage a meaningful conversation by ensuring that everyone who wishes has a chance to speak and by prompting conversation if needed. If you would like to be a Discussion Leader, please indicate this preference on the designated box on the registration form. Those who indicate a preference to be a Discussion Leader will be prioritized, but not guaranteed, to join the Foreign Affairs Discussion Groups.

 
Discussion Groups Etiquette
Network 20/20’s Foreign Affairs Discussion Groups will follow the Chatham House Rules. This rule is designed to encourage an open and trusting environment for conversation during the session. Following the discussion, feel free to share the points raised in the Discussion Groups with others, but please keep the identity of the commenters anonymous.

“When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.”

In order to foster engaging discussions, please be mindful of the amount of time you speak in each group. We seek to create a welcoming environment for all our participants, therefore we encourage you to allow time for every member of your group to speak. Discussion leaders have the authority to limit your speaking intervals to 3 minutes each.

Please remember to be conscientious and respectful of those around you, as we all work together to create a safe, virtual space built upon the principles of mutual respect, inclusivity, diversity, and zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind.

Some Zoom Etiquette Tips

  • Please mute yourself when you are not speaking to reduce distracting background and feedback noise.
  • Check to make sure your audio is on while speaking.​
  • Please don’t forget to turn your Zoom video on in order to demonstrate your participation and foster a collaborative, interactive environment for discussion.
  • Avoid profanity, vulgar language, and hate speech.
  • If you are uncertain whether something you intend to say will cause offense, it is better not to say it.
  • We want everyone in our community to feel comfortable and safe in presenting their unique views; therefore, we do not tolerate harmful language.
  • In order to facilitate a polite conversation, please refrain from cutting off other participants when they are speaking and/or using aggressive language if you find yourself in disagreement. ​
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