We always have a treat at our Junto meeting. This month, Gary did the honors by bringing delectable toffee bars he and his lovely wife Linda made for us using an heirloom family recipe from her ancestors in France. It was so perfect it is forever deemed “The Official Dessert of the Junto.” I am so happy and have already started my begging campaign to get the recipe.

In our endeavor to foster meaningful and productive discourse within our Junto discussion group, we have decided to implement a pre-reading strategy to ensure that each member arrives well-prepared and equipped for an engaging conversations. This approach aims to streamline our discussions and maximize the value we extract from our collective intellectual resources. The components of our pre-reading materials and the advantages of this approach are discussed in the body of this post. It also includes the entire document on Privacy Rights and Surveillance.

As anyone with experience running discussion groups will tell you, the importance of establishing clear ground rules that promote respectful and inclusive dialogue can’t be over-stated. These guidelines create a foundation for constructive conversations, active listening, open-mindedness, and learning from diverse viewpoints. Here is a set of ground rules that can foster a respectful and engaging environment within a Junto discussion group. Feel free to edit as you see fit.

If you need a little help with the wording of the invitations for your Junto, here is some text you can paste into a message, email, or paper invitation. Feel free to edit the body and the contact information as you prefer.

Chat-GPT, a powerful language model developed by OpenAI, can be a valuable tool for conducting research on a wide range of topics. It offers an efficient and user-friendly platform for obtaining reliable information. I asked it to create a step-by-step guide on how to use Chat-GPT effectively for research purposes, including creating a good prompt, formatting queries, and utilizing additional features to enhance the research experience. This is what Chat-GPT wrote for me in response.

When you are leading a Junto discussion group, it is important to encourage active engagement and create an environment where members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Here are some techniques you may find helpful.

Junto discussion groups usually establish a Code of Conduct that fosters respectful and inclusive dialogue. This code sets the tone for the group, emphasizing active listening, open-mindedness, and the importance of constructive criticism. It encourages members to express themselves freely while maintaining a focus on understanding and learning from diverse viewpoints. Here is a Code of Conduct that can create a respectful and engaging environment within a Junto discussion group.

In a Junto meeting, the role of the discussion leader is crucial for ensuring effective communication, engagement, and collaboration among participants. The discussion leader is responsible for guiding the discussion, managing time, encouraging participation, and maintaining focus on the meeting objectives. To excel in this role, there are specific things to know, to do, and to avoid doing. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to being an effective discussion leader in Junto meetings.

Leading discussions on volatile or sensitive topics requires tact, empathy, and a solid understanding of group dynamics. This article attempts to shed light on the common problems Junto discussion leaders may encounter in these challenging contexts. By addressing each problem with care and employing effective strategies, discussion leaders can foster productive conversations that promote understanding and growth.

He is one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was known for his wit, wisdom, and sharp intellect. Here are 25 famous quotes by Benjamin Franklin. I just love every one of them!

The Junto's Friday evening meetings were organized around a series of questions that Franklin devised, covering a range of intellectual, personal, business, and community topics. These questions were used as a springboard for discussion and community action.

In this article, we will delve into the etymology of the word "Junto" and shed light on its origins and significance in the context of Benjamin Franklin's intellectual circles. The term "Junto" traces its roots back to the Spanish language. In Spanish, the word "junta" refers to a group, assembly, or council.

Although I started on my Junto journey in late October, 2022, it was not until December that invitations were sent for our first meeting in January, 2023. I have learned a few things along the way and offer these observations so you can design your Junto with them in mind.