Continue thru to Instagram to read the full posting
Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DeRgZAesC50/
Showing posts with label civil discourse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label civil discourse. Show all posts
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Voices of Franklin - the audio recording of the first session August 18, 2026 (audio)
FM #1805 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1805 in the series.
This session shares the Voices of Franklin session held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center. Yes, there can be important conversations between the generations. This shares the first of a series of "Voices of Franklin.”
Coordinated by Franklin Interact Club, Franklin Rotary Club, Franklin Senior Center, and Franklin Recreation. Held at the Franklin Senior Center and the audio recording was made by Franklin TV.
About a dozen seniors and about 15 high school students gathered for a few games, some lunch (and conversation) then, the center piece discussion of the day.
A defining statement was provided. Participants would raise the red card or green card; if they disagreed they would raise their red card or if they agreed, their green.
Moderator Ryan Jette would then follow up with some of the individuals who raised red or green and the conversation ensued.
The next session is scheduled for November 19 at 12:30 PM also at the Senior Center. Starting with lunch (approx. 30 minutes) then getting into a brief presentation on Public Safety with Town of Franklin Police & Fire Chiefs moderated by Ryan Jette. The next session output will be available with audio & video.
Audio link (approx. 40 minutes) - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1805-voices-of-franklin-08-18-26/
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
What level of listening do you do?
via Justin Wright
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| What level of listening do you do? |
But they’re stuck at level 2.
They nod, make eye contact, wait for their turn to speak.
But they’re not really hearing you.
The difference between good leaders and great ones?
They’ve mastered the art of real listening.
Which level are you leading from?
Share this post to help someone become a better leader."
Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DOn-cSkjfgL/
A summary of 5 levels of listening from Stephen Covey https://jdmeier.com/5-levels-of-listening/
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Julia Dhar: How to have constructive conversations | TED (video)
"We need to figure out how we go into conversations not looking for the victory, but the progress," says world debate champion Julia Dhar.
In this practical talk, she shares three essential features of productive disagreements grounded in curiosity and purpose.
The end result? Constructive conversations that sharpen your argument and strengthen your relationships."
Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFZtNN6eNvQ
The three takeaways
- Choose curiosity over clash
- expect development of your ideas through discussion
- anchor in common purpose
Friday, June 27, 2025
Quiet action: "Sometimes the most helpful thing we can say is to do"
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| Quiet action: "Sometimes the most helpful thing we can say is to do" |
Talking is great, but everyone isn’t great at it. And forcing an unwilling, uneasy, or unskillful talker into a big conversation can backfire in a thousand painful ways. (Ask us how we know.)
In some cases, quiet action is a more empathic choice than conversation.
(Think: sticky situations, hot tempers, neurodiversity, tender topics, time constraints, emotional exhaustion, privacy requests, trust issues, laryngitis…)
Sometimes the most helpful thing we can say is to do. In moments like that, instead of sharing, take a meaningful action–even in secret. Because it’s not always about communicating to someone, but honoring the connection enough to give them what they need."
Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLU7NSbuyIY/
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Massachusetts “No Kings” Rallies on June 14
Thousands of Protesters Will Take to the Streets to Stand Up to the Authoritarian Excesses of the Trump Administration In Boston and 90 other Massachusetts locales:
On Saturday, June 14, Indivisible Mass Coalition (IMC), Mass. Indivisible Groups, and Allies will join forces with groups across the country to hold “No Kings” rallies to stand up against the authoritarian excesses of the Trump administration. IMC, Massachusetts 50501, and numerous Indivisible groups and allies will hold approximately 100 rallies across the Commonwealth in locations including Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, Pittsfield, Hyannis, and many more, to oppose all the unconstitutional actions of the Trump administration.
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| MA “No Kings” Rallies on June 14 |
In Boston, IMC, Swing Blue Alliance, and Mass 50501 are folding their events into Boston Pride. IMC will be marching in the Pride Parade as part of “No Kings” and to support LGBTQ+ allies, and is hosting a booth at the festival on the Common. Across the state many groups have organized local marches and rallies. Events vary by location.
WHAT: “No Kings” Rallies
WHO: Indivisible Mass Coalition and many other Indivisible groups and allies.
PLANS: At the Boston Pride Parade B-Vocal is joining IMC in the march and singing, and Swing Blue Alliance plans some creative resistance and street theater presentations. Elected officials such as Rep. Seth Moulton will be in Swampscott , and Rep. Lori Trahan will be in Chelmsford. At the many other rallies there will be marches, speakers, presentations, and completely peaceful actions.
WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 2025
WHERE: Various locations across Massachusetts
REGISTER: Boston: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible-ma/event/784589/
INFORMATION ON OTHER ACTIONS IN MASS.:
Local actions in MA are HERE (scroll down for list).
Mobilize links are HERE
Map of actions in MA is HERE
Map of Nationwide actions is HERE or https://www.nokings.org/#map
Indivisible Mass Coalition (IMC) is an all-volunteer, statewide organization building grassroots activism to strengthen constituent power, fortifying and sustaining our American democracy with its constitutional rule of law, and upholding our rights and freedoms. IMC is committed to empowering and supporting Indivisible groups of grassroots activists across our Commonwealth and working collaboratively with allies. Join the movement at www.indivisible-ma.org and learn more.
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Voices of Franklin: Councilor Melanie Hamblen encouraging civil discourse (video)
video link -> https://youtu.be/Vup7_keVGUg
If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
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| Voices of Franklin: Councilor Melanie Hamblen encouraging civil discourse (video) |
Saturday, August 24, 2024
12 geniuses want to talk with you to help you make informed decisions when you step into the voting booth (video)
About 13 minutes into the video of the conversation, this quote comes up:
“Another thing it does that's dangerous, is it means that you won't cooperate with the other group even if it would be in everybody's best interest.
And so ultimately the goal of politicians is supposed to be like being pragmatic, and finding some way to work together so that the population benefits. You know the voters across the country benefit.
But if you hate the other party so much, or don't want to be seen working with them, then that means that even if you could find some grounds for agreement that would be popular, that the average citizen would like, you'll be reluctant to do it.”
Interesting insights. Now, how do we get together?
The first video of the series is shared here -> https://youtu.be/XLHqcqHLhmg?si=g_tkQVeJQxN6Vo9F |
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Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Sign up for the Democracy, Refreshed, newsletter from Post Opinions - The Washington Post
Danielle Allen writes:
"Over the past year, I focused my columns and my public speaking on how we can renovate our democracy so it works for all of us — today and into the future. Readers wrote in and commented, asking one thing over and over again: What can I do? How can I help?
To answer those questions, we’ve turned the columns into a course. The course, delivered via email weekly for 10 weeks, gives you the chance to dive deep into some important approaches to renovating our democracy. It also gives you a chance to take your turn helping advance the cause of renovation. Sign up here.
You’ll receive the first email upon sign-up. Then, starting the following Monday at 8 AM. E.T., you will receive:
- A summary of a key democracy renovation
- Links to related reading and resources
- An activity you can do in your own community to renovate democracy
- Suggestions for other features from The Post that can help you stay updated on American democracy.
As Abraham Lincoln said, democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people. Join us, and help make sure that the next era of our democracy is truly by the people."
Read more and sign up here -> https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/05/06/democracy-refreshed-newsletter-sign-up/
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| Sign up for the Democracy, Refreshed, newsletter |
Thursday, October 26, 2023
If You Want Unity, Start with Community
A newsletter I subscribe to with a very shareworthy message today
If You Want Unity, Start with CommunityWe can only grow by embracing what brings us together
"In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed. When Abraham Lincoln gave his "House Divided" speech, he wasn't simply making an observation on the question of slavery that stood before Congress in the 1850s. He was quoting a familiar concept — one that had its origins in the Bible. In three of the four Gospels, in fact. By using this well-known phrase, he was calling upon his fellow citizens' common heritage and common understanding. He was also calling upon common sense. "I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free."When you're so divided on something fundamental, can you find unity? The solution comes through building on smaller shared pieces of ourselves. Pieces that can be found in communities. The CEO / Worker DivideWith issues swirling in the business world such as remote work, artificial intelligence, and company culture, there is a disconnect between the way CEOs see it and the way workers see it. As if to prove this point this week, Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman claimed remote workers don't work as hard, saying they enjoy a lighter workload at home.
While it's true that working from home gives us more flexibility and freedom, it doesn't mean that those not tethered to their desks aren't as effective. And how hard does Schwarzman think employees are working during their commutes to the office? Now, let's not forget that Blackstone is one of the largest owners of commercial real estate, so he may have a bit of an incentive for taking the position he did. The point is this: there is a divide between how different people see the workplace. Don't let there be a divide between you and other smart & curious people. Sign up for free or paid versions of Timeless & Timely today. A House DividedOn The World in Time podcast, Edward Achorn said:
Sound familiar? It should. But Achorn was talking about America in 1860. He's the author of The Lincoln Miracle: Inside the Republican Convention That Changed History. Today, we're watching a slow-motion trainwreck of leadership in the House of Representatives, as a lack of inter-party and intra-party unity cripples the U.S. government. There is one party that believes in the rule of law, following the Constitution, and of democracy itself. And there is another that bows to the whims and fancies of an autocrat who seeks to avoid prosecution, continually disgraces and repudiates the Constitution, and wishes to subvert election results. Case in point: the latest nominated Speaker [INSERT {F_NAME{ {L_NAME}] — indeed every nominee thus far in this cycle — voted to overturn the 2020 election.¹ With such a fundamental schism, with such nihilism in the core tenets of the country — even within a single party — is it possible to keep the house standing?
The Basis of a CommunityWhether we're considering a global conglomerate or a disparate collection of states, the idea is simple: people collaborate to create something bigger, better, and stronger. Nothing worthwhile happens in isolation. It's no mistake that you can't spell community without unity. The word unity comes from the Latin unus / unitas, meaning "one." And community is derived from the Latin communitas (meaning the same), which is in turn derived from communis, which means "common, public, shared by all or many." A community is a social unit wherein its members share a common network. That network can be expressed in different ways: through values, interests, goals, and kinship. Broadly speaking, there are categories of communities to consider (via Helpful Professor):²
PlaceWe naturally organize based on proximity. Those around us are the most familiar and have similar needs. This is a driving force behind betting employees to return to the office: it puts us back on a common place. InterestThose who share hobbies, pastimes, and interests tend to congregate together. Thus, communities of interest are a natural way to bring people together. IdentityWho we are and what we stand for are driving forces in developing a culture. It only makes sense that we want to associate ourselves with similar people. NeedWhile identity, interest, and place cause people to naturally break into groups, there are wider concerns that can cross these divides. Often times, these needs supersede coteries and cliques because we recognize some things are bigger than us. PracticeCommunities of practice help identify those with expertise and skills — specialists, if you will — to help develop and expand this expertise for the greater good.
If we appreciate and understand these types of communities, we can help those around us flourish. Whether these are hybrid or remote workers, or our duly elected representatives, we have a common, public goal. "I do not expect the Union to be dissolved – I do not expect the house to fall – but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other." The crisis has been reached, as Lincoln prophesied. The question is whether rampant tribalism will allow it to pass. I write these essays to help you become a better version of yourself. Your support helps to make them possible. Thanks, and I'll see you on the internet.
Bonus content, because you read to the end:
1 No, that's not a mail merge or email service error; it was intentional. 2 Drew, C. (December 18, 2022). 21 Types of Communities. Helpful Professor. You're currently a free subscriber. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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