Ben Franklin Dinner ToolkitE v e r y t h i n g Yo u ’ l l N e e d f o r Yo u r B e n F r a n k l i n D i n n e r

( o t h e r t h a n t h e f o o d , t h a t i s ! )

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What is a Ben Franklin Dinner?

Ben Franklin Dinners are part of a bold initiative that bring us together to explore two simple goals:

The Ben Franklin Dinners are a unique opportunity for anyone, anywhere to recreate Franklin’s junto over a meal. Choose one of Franklin’s virtues to discuss and invite a

small group to join you.

T O H E L P U S I M P R O V E O U R S E L V E S T O H E L P U S I M P R O V E O U R W O R L D

It’s simple!

W H A T A R E T H E 1 3 V I R T U E S ?

Order pizza, organize a potluck or prepare a homecooked meal. Regardless of what you’re serving, The Ben Franklin Dinners are a fun and simple way to gather people for the meaningful conversations we all want to have but might not always have the space for.

temperance / silence / order / resolution / frugality / industry / sincerity

justice / moderation / cleanliness / tranquility / chastity / humility.

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Some fun ideas for your dinner

1 N O T U P T O H O S T I N G A L O N E ?

Invite someone to co-host with you!

2D O Y O U A L R E A D Y K N O W E V E R Y O N E P L A N N I N G T O A T T E N D ?

• Think of inviting a couple of people you don’t know well • Ask friends to bring a guest who will be new to the group

3 S H A R E T H E F A C I L I T A T I N G D U T I E S

Make place cards with questions about the virtue and ask each person to ask one.

4B E N F R A N K L I N ’ S C H A R T

Print out copies of Ben Franklin’s chart where he tracked his progress with each virtue. Give one to each guest to take home.

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N O T U P T O H O S T I N G A L O N E ?

S H A R E T H E F A C I L I T A T I N G D U T I E S

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Your sample dinner conversation “menu”

1Feel free to follow our steps closely, or make your dinner your own. No matter what, it should be fun, comfortable, and informative. It’s all about good conversation around

one of Franklin’s virtues.

W H E N Y O U R G U E S T S A R R I V E , C O N S I D E R K I C K I N G O F F W I T H A N I C E B R E A K E R :

• If you could do one thing to improve your community, what would it be?

• If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be?

• What's your favorite quality in others?

• What’s one thing you think gives your life meaning?

2I N T R O D U C E T H E V I R T U E Y O U C H O S E

You can read Franklin’s short definition aloud to your guests to get started.

3 A S K S O M E T H O U G H T F U L Q U E S T I O N S T O G E T P E O P L E T A L K I N G

• What does this virtue mean to them?

• Is it relevant in our world today?

• If so, how?

• Check out our sample questions.

4E N C O U R A G E P E O P L E T O T H I N K O F O N E T A N G I B L E W A Y T H E Y C A N P R A C T I C E T H I S V I R T U E F O R T H E N E X T W E E K O R M O N T H

For frugality, could you make a monthly budget? For tranquility, could you take

20-30 minutes of quiet time (device - free!) each day? Suggest people write

down their “commitment” so they can refer back to it.

5 C O N C L U D E W I T H S O M E B I G P I C T U R E Q U E S T I O N S T O H E L P Y O U R G U E S T S T H I N K O F H O W T H E Y C A N S U P P O R T O N E A N O T H E R

• Is there something that this group can help you with in your own life?

• Is there a problem in our community that we could address together?

• How can we use our networks to help each other? Or someone outside the

group that needs help?

• How can we contribute individually or as a group to the larger community?

W H E N Y O U R G U E S T S A R R I V E , C O N S I D E R K I C K I N G O F F W I T H A N I C E B R E A K E R :

A S K S O M E T H O U G H T F U L Q U E S T I O N S T O G E T P E O P L E T A L K I N G

C O N C L U D E W I T H S O M E B I G P I C T U R E Q U E S T I O N S T O H E L P Y O U R G U E S T S T H I N K O F H O W T H E Y C A N S U P P O R T O N E A N O T H E R

Dinner’s over, but here is a post dinner checklist

D O N ’ T F O R G E T Report back and let us know how it went! Share your

thoughts and feedback.

C O N T A C T U Sbenfranklincircles@gmail.com.

I F Y O U T O O K P I C T U R E S Share them on social. Use #benfranklincircles or tag us @benfranklincircles

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A N D F I N A L L YConsider making the dinner a regular event! There are 13 virtues.

Your dinner can be a one-night event or a monthly happening. Start with one and repeat!

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Ben Franklin’s chart sample

G O O D L U C K W I T H Y O U R B E N F R A N K L I N D I N N E R !

13 virtues - as defined by Ben Franklin

TEMPERANCE

Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation.

SILENCE

Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.

ORDER

Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.

RESOLUTION

Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

FRUGALITY

Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.

INDUSTRY

Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.

SINCERITY

Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

JUSTICE

Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

MODERATION

Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

CLEANLINESS

Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.

CHASTITY

Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; Never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of

your own or another's peace or reputation.

TRANQUILITY

Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

HUMILITY

Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

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Here’s how Franklin defined his virtues in the 18th century. Your circle can update them for life today.

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