This week’s Junto has a little bit of homework that’s “due” before hand, so I wanted to make sure that everyone coming had the information.
This month, IndyHall and Junto co-founder Geoff DiMasi is leading a discussion on Urban Planning & The Workplace.
Geoff has asked us to take a spin though a short and stimulating read by Malcolm Gladwell, entitled “Designs for Working.” (You can read it online or download a PDF off this page.)
“Published in 2000, it seems very relevant to many of the ideas and concepts that we have discussed already at the previous Juntos.”, says Geoff.
As usual, discussion varies from month to month but the social format stays pretty much the same:
Bring some food/drink to share, P’unk Ave kicks in beer and and the best tomato pie in the city.
It occurs to me that some folks reading might not know what Junto is. For a definition of the inspiration from Philadelphia’s own innovator-at-large Ben Franklin, you can check wikipedia’s entry on the topic. OUR Junto, started by P’unk Ave with support from some of the earliest participation in IndyHall, has grown into a hybrid social/educational event with topics covered almost as diverse as the attendance.
The short description I give, when I have to give one, is a “mini BarCamp“. While this may be arguably inaccurate (since the topic is usually planned before hand now), the spirit is what carries forward: a LOOSE topic is prepared with a session leader, and the discussion that evolves from the event is usually really powerful and energetic, somewhat chaotic, and always a good time.
This event has been super, super critical to help us reach the mass that we have as an organization at IndyHall, and I’m so thankful that Geoff, Alex G., and Rick work together to put this on every month.
If you haven’t been come check it out this Thursday. If you have come, I look forward to seeing you there.
Not in Philly? Why not think about running your own Junto! Feel free to drop us a line and we’ll put you in touch with the crew, and they’ll be happy to share a little about the format so you can try it in your own town.
Tags: junto, community, philadelphia, punk ave, geoff dimasi, alex gilbert, rick banister