Showing posts with label discussion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label discussion. Show all posts

Sunday, July 16, 2023

"We gathered on the site of the great battle of our Civil War in order to prevent another one"

"On July 5, 2023—160 years after the Battle of Gettysburg—the unthinkable happened.

We came to @Gettysburg to launch a movement, bringing together 650 conservatives and liberals on equal terms to clarify differences, find common ground where it exists, and strengthen our nation.

It was hard to pull off.

How do you bring people of opposing viewpoints together during such an intense time of division?

We leaned on a small, scrappy staff and a dedicated group of volunteers who put everything they had into making the convention happen.

And then, it did."

Read the full thread in this PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/188dE76N8YydAEV743jbqwyZ-aDyTAgwb/view?usp=drive_link

View the YouTube playlist of the convention that gathered 600 folks in Gettysburg College this July 2023 -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKRBV_e51mrpjB5Dfc6mQWqR4eZxvteDY

witf.org, the public news service for 17 communities in Central PA provides some video of some of the conventions goers. ->    https://www.witf.org/2023/07/14/hundreds-gather-at-gettysburg-college-to-bridge-political-divides-through-constructive-conversations/

For more about Braver Angels, the group that organized this event ->    https://braverangels.org/our-mission/

We were led by our two co-Chairs, Erica Manuel ( @ericut ), CEO & Executive Director of  @InstLocGov  and Wilk Wilkinson ( @wilksopinion ), host of  @DeratetheHate  podcast
"We were led by our two co-Chairs, Erica Manuel (
@ericut
), CEO & Executive Director of
@InstLocGov
and Wilk Wilkinson (
@wilksopinion
), host of
@DeratetheHate
podcast
"

Saturday, July 15, 2023

"Disagree Better - Saving Your Family Dinner" - (video)

Mónica Guzmán (@moniguzman) tweeted on Fri, Jul 14, 2023:
"Want better, braver politics? Share the heck out of this video. 
Then ask *your* elected officials what *they're* doing to save our family dinners... & the whole American experiment.

Thanks @GovCox & @GovofCO for stepping the f UP! 🇺🇸"
video link -> 
 https://t.co/NCX0TC13yD  or  https://youtu.be/Ltm0wb9lFAY



Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Letter to Town Council on Display of Flags on Town Property (agenda item for Council Mtg - 04/26/23)

April 21, 2023

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Re: Display of Flags on Town Property

As requested by a few Councilors and several people in the community, tonight the Council will host a discussion on the idea of allowing flags, banners and/or symbols, including the Pride Flag, to be placed on a Municipal Building flagpole and/or other flag poles in town.

Supporting Materials

I have attached the current flag policy of the Town, a recent Supreme Judicial Court of the United States of America decision on a case recently involving the City of Boston and articles from NPR and the NYT summarizing the issue in that case.

The Choices

As I have said before, the Council has two choices on this matter:

Do not allow town flagpoles to be used for the purposes of allowing third party organizations or individuals to essentially lease the flagpole for various purposes; OR

Allow town flagpoles to be used for the purposes of allowing third party organizations or individuals to essentially lease the flagpole for various purposes.

If the latter is chosen, the Council will need to identify the pole(s) that can be applied for (presumably only the Municipal Building). Staff will need to work with the DPW and Town Attorney on a revised policy.

Furthermore, a permitting process will be required to ensure equity, inclusion and coordination among all citizens or organizations who would want to display a flag, banner or any symbol. I would also anticipate more events being requested at the Municipal Building. Applicants would be from within the Town of Franklin and also from outside the Town of Franklin. Just like on the Town Common with religious symbols, the Town cannot limit the applicant from just Franklin. There will unquestionably be a fee to do so, as this will take a significant amount of staff time to permit, coordinate and actually perform the work.

Staff recommendation

My professional recommendation, along with the Town Attorney and DPW Director, is to NOT allow the town flagpoles to be used for such purposes. If the Council chooses to move forward, we will all fully respect that decision. However, at a minimum, we request all of you to allow the staff an appropriate amount of time to develop a policy, application, fee and further details. A fee would have to also be  enacted by the Council. Many details would need to be coordinated. For example, most of the flagpoles come with a purpose already, such as the war memorial on the Town Common, or the Town Administration Building, which traditionally has the US Flag, State Flag and Town Flag. These are the standard 3 flags at Massachusetts Town Halls. Additionally, there is a federal flag code for those who die in the line of duty, or deaths of certain dignitaries among others.

If you do not choose to move forward, we have worked closely with many organizations through the years on alternatives and continue to pledge to do so. Many groups are satisfied with our suggestions.

At the end of the day, this is an all or nothing policy decision. While I fully recognize the fact some groups will want to show unified support for a cause, there are NO restrictions or limitations on who can apply or to what the message is. If allowed, the Town should prepare for messages, flags and banners we all support and from those we do not support.

Everyone has to ask themselves, is this the only, or most effective way, to increase support for a cause? In the end, policies on offering town flagpoles up for lease generally become political or religious messaging, affirmation of constitutional rights, or those for a common cause such as a fundraising effort for a family tragedy or social service cause. Is this what you want for the Municipal Building flagpole and/or other flagpoles? The staff are not convinced this effort would reap the short term rewards that are sought. The long term ramifications are challenging to predict.

Letter to Town Council on Display of Flags on Town Property (agenda item for Council Mtg - 04/26/23)
Letter to Town Council on Display of Flags on Town Property (agenda item for Council Mtg - 04/26/23)

The issue before the Council tonight is not about whether there is or is not overwhelming support for the LGBTQ community in Franklin. We already know voters have spoken overwhelmingly in favor of the elected leaders of the Town Council, School Committee and other boards that have widespread, if not unanimous, support for the LGTBQ community. Furthermore, both the Town Council and School committee have hired a Town Administrator and Superintendent of Schools who are extremely supportive and very engaged on these issues. Both the Town and School Administrations are very proud of the progress we have made as an organization to support the LGTBQ community in Franklin and will continue to do so. In fact, if its height one seeks in a flagpole, then your faith and confidence in me as the Town Administrator is equal to, or exceeds, the actual pole height outside. The message all of you have sent is far greater than any flag could have. Ditto for Superintendent Giguere.

The conversation this evening is much more expansive than the LGBTQ community. The debate is whether to allow commercial leasing of public space to members of the public, the pros and cons of that policy and what are the parameters. There are many sub questions that will need to be answered as well.

Shared from the Town Council agenda package ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_26_2023_0.pdf

Memo from Town Administrator ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._flags_0.pdf

Sunday, February 26, 2023

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station: 028 - What Are The Sacred Texts? (audio)

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to discuss the sacred texts in each of their respective faiths; which writings are included, which aren't, how to make sense of these writings and so much more.



A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station
A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station - WFPR
Bringing More Faith Into Your Day
Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Dean College to Host an Evening Salon to Celebrate the Legacy of Bayard Rustin

In celebration of Black History Month, Dean College is pleased to announce a special program to celebrate and reflect on the life and work of Bayard Rustin — a visionary activist and strategist described by TIME Magazine as “perhaps the most critical figure in the struggle for African American dignity that many people have never heard of.”

On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, Dean College President Kenneth Elmore will lead the discussion on Rustin’s life and legacy with two special guests: Walter Naegle, who was Rustin’s life partner; and Bennett Singer, a filmmaker who co-directed “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin,” an award- winning film about Rustin. Clips from the documentary will be interspersed throughout the conversation.

The event will take place at Marvin Chapel, inside Dean Hall on the Dean College campus, 99 Main Street, Franklin, Mass., from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Both Naegle and Singer will join the conversation with the community via Zoom, while Elmore will moderate the in-person discussion.

The event is FREE and open to students, faculty, staff and the general public. To learn more about Dean College, visit www.dean.edu.

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.
The cover art is believed to belong to the publisher; Question Why Films or the cover artist - https://www.amazon.com/Brother-Outsider-Life-Bayard-Rustin/dp/B003LR5BBC
The cover art is believed to belong to the publisher; Question Why Films or the cover artist - https://www.amazon.com/Brother-Outsider-Life-Bayard-Rustin/dp/B003LR5BBC

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Dean College to Host a Screening and Discussion of the Film “Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance”

In celebration of Black History Month, Dean College will hold a screening and discussion of the film “Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance,” a documentary that “celebrates the history, lineage, and future progressions of jazz dance. Commenting on political and social influences, it is an honest conversation addressing topics such as appropriation, racism, socialism, and sexism.”

Professor Robin Gee, a commentator in the film, will lead the discussion along with Dean College President Kenneth Elmore on Monday, February 13, 2023. Professor Gee serves on the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as an associate professor of dance in the UNCG College of Visual and Performing Arts. She is a dancer, choreographer and filmmaker.

The event will take place at Marvin Chapel, inside Dean Hall on the Dean College campus, 99 Main Street, Franklin, Mass., from 6:30 – 9:00 PM. The event is FREE and open to students, faculty, staff and the general public.

To learn more about the film “Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance,” visit www.uprootedfilm.com. To learn more about Dean College, visit www.dean.edu.

View a 1 minute preview for this film -> https://vimeo.com/672827289

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.

Dean College to Host a Screening and Discussion of the Film “Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance”
Dean College to Host a Screening and Discussion of the Film “Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance”

Thursday, January 19, 2023

"Lucky Jack" POW Book Presentation by local author Sue Bavey - Jan 23 at 11 AM

"Lucky Jack" POW Book Presentation by local author Sue Bavey

Monday Jan 23, 2023 at 11 AM, Franklin Senior Center

"Lucky Jack" POW Book Presentation by local author Sue Bavey - Jan 23 at 11 AM
"Lucky Jack" POW Book Presentation by local author Sue Bavey - Jan 23 at 11 AM

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/lucky-jack-pow-book-presentation-local-author-sue-bavey

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Magic Mirror Photo Booth at the Strawberry Stroll & Franklin For All Table - THIS FRIDAY!

Magic Mirror Photo Booth at the Strawberry Stroll & Franklin For All Table - THIS FRIDAY!

June 10, 2022 from 4 PM - 8 PM

Franklin For All will be at the Strawberry Stroll this Friday from 4pm-8pm! Attendees will be able to connect with Franklin for All project staff regarding the proposed recommendations and enjoy a town sponsored magic mirror photo booth experience to document the fun and resident dreams of downtown revitalization. Find us at the intersection of Dean Ave and Main Street, directly across from the stage for fun and engaging photo- op!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/magic-mirror-photo-booth-strawberry-stroll-franklin-all-tabling-friday

Magic Mirror Photo Booth at the Strawberry Stroll & Franklin For All Table
Magic Mirror Photo Booth at the Strawberry Stroll & Franklin For All Table

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Reminder: School Committee meeting features a full agenda for Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Among the items on the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening are the following for Guests/Presentations:

A. Retiree Recognition 
B. District Improvement Plan Update 2021-2022   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf 
C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_evaluation_evidence_2021-2022.pdf

 And longer list than recently seen of Discussion Action items

A. Superintendent’s Contract
The Chair recommends approval of a 3 year contract with Lucas Giguere as Superintendent of Schools - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy ADF - Wellness Policy as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2.pdf
C. Boys Basketball Trip
I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26-30, 2022 to participate in the 2022 KSA Events Basketball Tournament as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_basketball_trip_-_orlando.pdf
D. Performing Arts Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dianne Plouffe to take students to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from April 15-19, 2023 to perform as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_performing_arts_trip.pdf
E. Spain Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Chaisson & Laura Keenan to take students to Malaga & Granada, Spain from April 14-22, 2023 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_spain_trip.pdf
F. Proposed MASC Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Trans Students
I recommend the School Committee adopt the proposed MASC Resolution regarding sanctuary laws for trans students for formal consideration by the 2022 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate Assembly in November as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_f_-_resolution.pdf

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Sunday, March 20, 2022

This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights on process and accessory dwelling units - 03/15/22 (audio)

FM #755 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 755 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with several members of the Economic Development “Plus” Committee to talk about the Franklin For All process. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022.  


  • Chair, Melanie Hamblen, Town Council 

  • Beth Wierling, member of the Planning Board

  • Cobi Frongillo, member of the Town Council

  • Bruce Hunchard, chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals

 

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to the conversation about the Franklin For All project and process. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-755-franklin-for-all-discussion-03-15-22



--------------


Respond to the survey by April 1 => https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDBzodBPnt8a5Ce  


Franklin For All Forum - March 7, 2022

 

Franklin For All project page ->  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/ 

 

--------------


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


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!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights
This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Recap: Franklin For All Forum gets some input amid questions on MPAC and expressions of fear

Quick recap:
  • The Franklin For All Forum was a hybrid event hosted technically by MAPC in the Council Chambers. Some technical issues needed to be worked out so the meeting was slow starting
  • There were approx. 40-50 in room, another 100+ via Zoom, some other number (unknown) likely watching via cable or live stream
  • The Forum was meant to allow for (1) Q&A on the process and (2) input from Franklin residents to help develop a vision for downtown
  • EDC Plus Steering Committee Chair Melanie Hamblen provided some homework assignments (walk around Franklin, sign up for newsletter, checkout Franklin For All page, let's all be open and treat comments with respect)
  • Emma Battaglia, MAPC Project Manager, provided an overview of the project and objectives. She announced the release of the survey to enable input which will be open for at least a couple of weeks. A draft of initial zoning recommendations will come forward for review and discussion
  • The EDC Plus committee will hear and review, possibly propose something to the Town Council. Assuming the proposal includes zoning changes, the zoning changes would go to the Planning Board for their review (including 2 public hearings) before coming back to the Council. The Council would also hold a public hearing and have two readings of the changes before a final vote. Bottomline - plenty of time to review and discuss whatever changes do come from this study
My notes taken via Twitter are collected in the PDF here. The audio (and possible transcript of the audio) should be available in a couple of days.

The survey is open for your input ->   https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDBzodBPnt8a5Ce

Visit mapc.org/franklin-for-all for additional information on Franklin For All and for ongoing updates on the planning process. You can also sign up for email updates at mapc.ma/franklin-for-all-news.  Email planning@franklinma.gov if you have questions about this project or additional ideas for enhancing Franklin Center


Recap: Franklin For All Forum gets some input
Recap: Franklin For All Forum gets some input

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Open Meeting Law Guidance Spotlight: Subcommittees and Sub-quorum Communications

From the MA Attorney General's Office on Open Meeting Law Guidance:

Guidance Spotlight: Subcommittees and Sub-quorum Communications

This month we offer guidance on the creation of subcommittees under the Open Meeting Law, and permissible communications among members that constitute less than a quorum of a public body.  We recognize that public body members want to conduct business efficiently and effectively.  However, public body members must exercise caution when communicating and carrying out the public body’s responsibilities outside of a properly posted meeting.  The Open Meeting Law prohibits deliberation outside of a posted meeting. “Deliberation” is communication among a quorum on a matter within the public body’s jurisdiction.  Because the Open Meeting Law focuses on communications among a quorum, there is no prohibition on communications outside of a meeting that do not involve or reach a quorum of members—as long as the members are not also a quorum of a subcommittee.  Therefore, it is important to understand whether members of a public body may constitute a designated subcommittee.

The Open Meeting Law defines “public body” as any “multiple-member board, commission, committee or subcommittee within the executive or legislative branch or within any county, district, city, region or town, however created, elected, appointed or otherwise constituted, established to serve a public purpose.”  G.L. c. 30A, § 18.  The Law further defines a “subcommittee” as “any multiple-member body created to advise or make recommendations to a public body.”  Id.  A public body forms a subcommittee when the body formally authorizes multiple members of the public body to advise or make recommendations to the public body.  Whether a subcommittee was created hinges on the public body’s action and whether it intended to create a multiple-member body, or whether it intended to assign the task to one person, even if another member of the public body subsequently volunteers to assist. Therefore, if a single member undertakes a task, or multiple members decide on their own to communicate about a matter or prepare a recommendation without having been designated to do so, no subcommittee is created. Furthermore, the name of a group—whether called a subcommittee, a “working group,” a “task force” or something else—will still be subject to the Open Meeting Law if it is a multiple-member body created to advise or make recommendations.  Even subcommittees that have members who are not part of the public body will be subject to the Open Meeting Law if they meet the Open Meeting Law’s definition of “public body.”

Subcommittees are public bodies in their own right, which means they must follow all of the Open Meeting Law’s requirements applicable to public bodies.  Subcommittee members should be particularly careful about any communications they have with their fellow subcommittee members in order to avoid deliberating outside of a posted meeting, as the subcommittee has its own (smaller) quorum.  The quorum of a public body, including a subcommittee, is a simple majority of its members, unless otherwise provide by law.  Therefore, although it is generally permissible for public body members to communicate amongst themselves outside of a posted meeting as long as the communications do not involve or reach a quorum (whether concurrently or serially), public body members must always be cognizant of the makeup and quorum of the public body, including any subcommittees on which they serve.

Determinations Regarding Subcommittees and Sub-quorum Communications:

OML 2021-176: Finding no violation of the Open Meeting Law because text message conversations did not contain or reach a quorum of the Board.  In all cases, the Board members engaged in one-on-one text exchanges during the meeting.  In addition, we find no evidence of serial deliberation among a quorum of the Board.

OML 2021-115: Subcommittee deliberated outside of a posted meeting, in violation of the Open Meeting Law, when a quorum of the Subcommittee discussed the status of a matter that was clearly within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction outside of a posted meeting.

OML 2018-128: Board did not create a subcommittee where the Board took no vote after one member offered to research a topic and another member of the public body subsequently volunteered to assist.

OML 2017-111: Board did not create a subcommittee where the Board clearly intended to assign a task to one person and another member of the public body subsequently volunteered to assist.

OML 2016-96: Working Group did not create a subcommittee where two members of the Working Group, on their own initiative, worked on projects for the benefit of the Working Group, without the Working Group taking any official action to delegate that responsibility to the two members. 

For more info on Open Meeting Law visit ->  https://www.mass.gov/the-open-meeting-law

Open Meeting Law Guidance Spotlight: Subcommittees and Sub-quorum Communications
Open Meeting Law Guidance Spotlight: Subcommittees and Sub-quorum Communications



Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Strong Towns Event @ THE BLACK BOX - 11/15/21 (audio)

FM #661 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 661 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Strong Towns Town Hall event with Congressman Jake Auchincloss, State Rep Jeff Roy, Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, and Charles Marohn from Strong Towns. 


The event was held at THE BLACK BOX and broadcast via Franklin TV and Zoom. 


After a round of opening remarks, there is a question and answer period with audience participation. Each question asker identifies themselves so you should be able to follow along.

 

The recording runs about 1  hour and 14 minutes, so let’s listen to the Strong Towns Event on Nov 15, 2021. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9af1799e-c16d-4b73-8329-74515b343b2f



--------------


My notes from the session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-strong-towns-event-fostering.html 


More about Strong Towns can be found online -> https://www.strongtowns.org/


--------------


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


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!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 


Monday, November 15, 2021

Stockdale Paradox: stoically accepting reality while maintaining faith in the endgame

"Every good-to-great company faced significant adversity along the way to greatness, of one sort or another. … In every case, the management team responded with a powerful psychological duality. On the one hand, they stoically accepted the brutal facts of reality. On the other hand, they maintained an unwavering faith in the endgame, and a commitment to prevail as a great company despite the brutal facts. We came to call this duality the Stockdale Paradox.

The name refers to Admiral Jim Stockdale, who was the highest-ranking United States military officer in the "Hanoi Hilton" prisoner-of-war camp during the height of the Vietnam War. Tortured over twenty times during his eight-year imprisonment from 1965 to 1973, Stockdale lived out the war without any prisoner's rights, no set release date, and no certainty as to whether he would even survive to see his family again. …"

Read more about the Stockdale Paradox online -> 
https://www.jimcollins.com/concepts/Stockdale-Concept.html

Listen to Shane Parish's discussion with Jim Collins. Before they close their conversation, they talk about the Stockdale Paradox ->  https://fs.blog/knowledge-podcast/jim-collins-2/



Stockdale Paradox: stoically accepting reality while maintaining faith in the endgame
Stockdale Paradox: stoically accepting reality while maintaining faith in the endgame

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Interested in Public Records Law? This discussion might be for you

Join us Nov. 18 along with @RappaportCenter for a Greater Boston Debate Series event exploring whether the MA public records law promotes democracy in the state, featuring  @Becca_Rausch,  @raylaraja, and moderated by @CommonWealthMag 's  @shiraschoenberg. 

Register here ->    https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oVQ9MRZ-T7GaWpSvurjGbA



Interested in Public Records Law? This discussion might be for you
Interested in Public Records Law? This discussion might be for you


Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Non-toxic social network alternatives to Facebook

I had the good fortune to participate in a couple of Good Experience Live (GEL) Conferences in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Mark Hurst is an insightful engaging thought leader. He continues to write and broadcast on tech topics. HE is the owner founder of the Creative Good agency. https://creativegood.com/mark-hurst/

His Good Report has a post on 'non-toxic social networks'. This is one place where we can look at what he shares and explore the options to replace Franklin Matters on Facebook. Stay tuned as we explore. If you have any experience with what is listed, please feel free to share via email or comment.

"Here's our favorite non-toxic social network: Mastodon.

Why: Today's giant social networks make money on surveillance, manipulation, and amplification of toxic content. If you're tired of the garbage on Twitter and Facebook, head over to Mastodon: a decentralized, non-corporate network of Twitter-like servers. Without the constant need to monetize "engagement," Mastodon provides a more civil, low-key platform for posting and networking. And it's free.

(On Mastodon, follow Good Reports founder Mark Hurst: @markhurst@mastodon.social)"



Mark's Good Report also has a listing on RSS Readers to add to what I shared yesterday.  https://goodreports.com/post/rss-reader.html

For those interested in a deep dive into my archives, here are the collected writing for each of the GEL Conferences in (the links should still work although the webpages has been dormant for years).


Non-toxic social network alternatives to Facebook
Non-toxic social network alternatives to Facebook