The meeting of the minds

Welcome to the Junto.

Well before signing the Declaration of Independence, and at the young age of 21, Benjamin Franklin was already a visionary in building organizations. In 1727, Franklin brought together a group for the purpose of facilitating discussion amongst interested and exceptional individuals about topics of the day. The group, initially composed of twelve members, called itself the Junto (Latin for meeting). Its members all lived in Philadelphia and were drawn from diverse occupations and backgrounds. They each shared a spirit of inquiry and a desire to improve themselves, their community, and the lives of others.

Ten diverse and deep-thinking individuals have gathered from the East Central Illinois area to do the same. I'm a part of it. And Wednesday we met for the first time to figure out how/when/where/why we'll gather and discuss topics important to today.

From spirituality to agriculture to work burnout to the green movement to the search for happiness; a list has been made and topics have been suggested.

I'm excited to gather once a month with such diverse intellectual minds in the area. As we share our own stories, opinions, perspectives and questions, I believe we'll all have something to contribute...and something to learn from.

I'm excited to simply expand my circle of friendship.