This MEETUP IS ABOUT THE SHARING OF IDEAS IN A PUBLIC AND OPEN FORUM
WHERE PARTICIPANTS CAN COME TO LEARN AND TEACH. In order for people to
feel comfortable expressing their, what may be controversial, views we
aim to create an environment that is not absent passion, but is
cordial to people who may even have extreme views. It is incumbent
upon all participants to contribute in fostering that environment.The
MEETUP IS DIVIDED INTO THREE CONSECUTIVE SESSIONS:
I. One Minutes - An icebreaker. We go around the room and ask each
person to state their first name and then talk about anything that is
on their mind for approximately one minute.
II. Topical discussion - The heart of the Meetup where we put a topic
on the table and ask those who choose to share any opinion or idea
around the topic. We informally toss around a stuffed animal which
serves as a "talking stick." When you have it in your possession you
have the floor. We loosely spend about 15 minutes on each topic
depending on the number of people in attendance. This is not the time
for debate, but there is room for anyone to ask some clarifying
questions of the speaker in order to better understand their point of
view. The goal is not to change minds in this section, but to give
those minds food for thought.
III. Meetup after the Meetup - This is the end of the "formal" Meetup
and where the healthy debate can take place. With smaller groups we
passionately argue things that we may have talked about in topical
discussion to everything else on the planet. Some say this is the best
part and some people loathe the passion and the volume. Some leave
before or during this part and others show up just for it. It can last
for hours.
If there are rules to this Meetup, these are them:
BE RESPECTFUL TO EVERYONE regardless of their views on any subject.
Bring your voice and passion, but leave your anger and condescension
at home.
If you get angry at differing opinions, please realize that this is
not the place for you and kindly do not attend.
Eat, drink and be merry and tip well if you can.
We don t have to leave as friends, but we can t leave as enemies.
As usual there is a lot to talk about. Here are some of the topics we
could explore:
Should Justice Stephen Breyer retire?
...more to come
I look forward to talking to you all.
Glenn
food
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01/10/2021 Last update