RSA is a remarkable organization for the talents of the fellows who keep the Society vital by fulfilling its goals as well as moving ahead of these goals with new ideas and formulations, solutions to the problems of society. We are the cogs, wheels and inspiration for progress, not because we set out to be, but because of who we are and continue to be; that is, if those we nominate for election those who are innovative. They need to understand the value of our organization in helping to promote and refine their ideas, to accept improvements that will result through discussion, challenge and encouragement.
It has been of great interest to me that most of our “pledgies” already are at work to achieve the goals and purposes already contained in our various manifestos. Our fellows are ahead and need to be ahead of our organization. An approach that would stimulate RSA’s growth is to help build the work of our most innovative, give them the intellectual and social support they need.
Recently, Lynn Broadbent reminded us of Benjamin Franklin’s creation of a social networking group named “Junto” in 1727. They met in Philadelphia for “mutual improvement and discussion”. The composition of the group was precociously democratic:” a cobbler, a glazier, a scrivener and at least one “gentleman.” Clearly those invited were meant to form a a society of persons who enjoyed each other’s company as they brought forward new ideas to help society, ways they could help each other in moving ahead economically and socially, etc. I see a lot of RSA in this and suggest that Ben breathed a lot of this thinking into the development of the RSA .
In this sense there are no “New Paradigms” although I have chosen these words to shake our roots newly to see if Lynn’s “Social Networks in 1757“ have grafts that can be added to our practice which will reflect Fellow Franklin’s Junto.
It is in this spirit that we introduce the first two of a series of lectures and discussions organized by the New England Section Of RSA-US.
May 6, 2010 1pm – 2:30pm - Office of the UK Consulate General, 1 Broadway, Cambridge, MA – A Luncheon Meeting
BILL STONE, ESQ FRSA “New Paradigms in the Workplace: making Virtual a Reality”
Bill is an entrepreneur and a lawyer who has designed a life of work, home, leisure, and philanthropy that “beats working in a law office all day”, yet brings him choices in work and play as never before. Bill will disclose his secret through describing the evolution of the firm Outside General Counsel, LLC of which he is a Principal.
June 2010- Office of the UK Consulate General- Cambridge, MA (date TBD)
Dr. Phil Budden Consul General UK in Boston, FRSA ”New Paradigms on the Business/Government Interface”
Phil will speak at the new Consulate General in Cambridge post-election. He will deal with international relations and the role of the diplomatic corps in a changing world.
Arthur Mark FRSA
