IDEA Association

New Ben Franklin Learning Group Starting in Denver

Jan 06, 2002

A new group to help business people learn what they need to achieve True Success in today?’s world is being started here in Denver.

Ben Franklin Learning Groups are patterned after the self-directed learning group Franklin started with what he called his more ingenious companions. They met together for over 40 years, and Franklin called it the Best school in his famous Autobiography.

The Denver Group that is now being formed will meet at the Panera Bread Caf?©, 1350 Grant Street over lunch.

Following Franklin?’s original format, the first half of the meeting is used for informal sharing. Discussion questions include: What have you read, seen, or heard that would be of use to the group? Who has done well or failed, and what were the causes? How can members of the group be helpful to you?

In the second half of the meeting members take turns presenting research papers. Rather than inviting outside speakers, members talk with experts, read, and then combine this information with their own experience into papers on topics of their own choice. Certificates on that topic can be awarded if certain criteria are met.
Training Magazine has cited Franklin?’s original group as a good example of how an adult learning group should be structured. Started in 1727 when Franklin was only 21 years old and a struggling printer?’s helper, the group used what modern educators now know are the best methods for adult learning.

Each group is formed around co-leaders who have been members of Ben Franklin Learning Groups in the past. The new Denver group will be led by David Powelson, founder of Tri-R Recycling and Doug Root, President of Jungle Quest.

The organizer and facilitator of Ben Franklin Learning Groups is John Wren. Wren has been a business consultant and educator since 1979. He is author of Daring Mighty Things?—The Simplest Way to Start Your First (or Next) New Business, and articles on sales, marketing and education. For information about how to join a group, contact John Wren at (303)861-1447 or JohnSWren@AOL.com.