Tag Archives: conversations

Share New Ways to Enrich Your Life through Great Conversations – Sep 16

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Share New Ways to Enrich Your Life

 through Great Conversations

with Ron Gross

and leaders of CONVERSATIONS NEW YORK

 

Wednesday,  September 16, 2015, 6:15 – 8:30 PM

 

Adelphi University – Manhattan Center

75 Varick Street

Room 260-261 on the Second Floor

PLEASE SEE DIRECTIONS AT END

 

Conversation is our most enjoyable, readily-available, and

powerful way to stimulate our minds, nurture friendships,  and continue to learn and grow.

 

Please join us to preview CONVERSATION MONTH.  We’ll share NEW ways to enrich your life by having  great conversations more often – and to share that experience with our fellow New Yorkers, as we celebrate the publication on Oct. 9th of Reclaiming Conversation by our esteemed colleague from MIT, Prof. Sherry Turkle.  

 

On the agenda:

 

Share what we’ve learned about talking together in ways that encourage fresh thinking and nurture

friendships – including the premiere of the mini-play “Conversation Par Excellence”  starring CNY thespians.

 

What’s your Conversational Style? How to recognize and avoid Conversational Narcissism.

 

Six simple, powerful ways to enhance your conversations for greater enjoyment, creativity, and gratification.

 

How you can you find great conversations in NYC – or create your own!

        

We’ll also preview CNY’s CONVERSATION MONTH (October), which will feature:

 

** a TEDx Salon with  Ron Gross on October 9th,

 

** a Seminar with Professor Turkle  on October 20th at Columbia University, to discuss her book.

** city-wide conversations throughout the month on intriguing and important topics, moderated by outstanding hosts.

 

And of course as always we will honor an outstanding contributor with our prestigious Plato Award (“…and this month’s award goes to….”)

 

75 VARICK is between Watts and Grand Streets, next to the Jackie Robinson Museum.

 

RSVP to grossassoc@aol.com
and to CNY meetup.com
http://www.meetup.com/Conversations-New-York/events/224709758/
Please bring state-issued photo ID required for admittance to building

 

DIRECTIONS Subways: #1 to Canal, or  A, C. or E to Canal, exit next to the building.  J, N, Q, R, W, Z or #6 to Canal, are about 5 blocks southeast at Broadway and Canal. Bus: M20 stops at the front door.

 

COFFEE/FOOD/BEVERAGES/ETC. Excellent take-out food can be purchased at The Mill (www.TheMilltoGo.com), which is part of the same building, and brought to the meeting.

 

QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS: Ron Gross at grossassoc@aol.com

Joys and Power of Conversation: CNY monthly meeting – Feb 16

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THE JOYS AND POWER OF CONVERSATION:

How to Enjoy & Benefit from Talking Together

Socratic Conversation with Ron Gross and CNY Conversational Activists

 

Monday, February 16, 2015

6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

 

Bread & Butter

419 Park Avenue South, (Corner of 29th St and Park Ave), New York, NY (edit map)

 

Strictly limited seating.  Please RSVP to Ron Gross at grossassoc@aol.com 

and to CNY Meetup http://www.meetup.com/Conversations-New-York/events/220292106/  THANKS.

 

6:00 – 6:30 – Meet-and-Greet and Socializing.
6:30 sharp – 7:30 – Participatory Conversation on “The Joy and Power of Conversation”
7:30 – 7:45 – Break
7:45 – 8:30 — CNY Planning and Team-Building Monthly “Huddle”
8:30 – 9:00 — Skill-Sharing

 

Talking together in new ways can fill our lives with greater enjoyment, friendship, and learning. Please come to share YOUR experiences and insights – and join our thriving campaign to transform NYC through more and better conversations!

 

“Conversation is free – but it’s invaluable,” says Ron Gross, founder of Conversations New Yorkwhich last year held the first Conversation Day on 42nd Street, with partners in London, Paris, and Tokyo

 

Great talk deepens our humanity – and strengthens our communities. Gathering in a circle to make meaning, has empowered our species in every era and culture. We have never needed it more than today!

 

At this participatory event, you’ll learn how you can join the movement to turn away from our devices and towards each other – for delight, understanding, and social progress.

 

Ron Gross, founder of CNY, chairs the University Seminar on Innovation at Columbia University. His internationally best-selling books include The Lifelong Learner, Socrates’ Way, Peak Learning, Individualism, and The New Professionals.

Socratic Conversation: The School-To-Prison Pipeline: The Effects of “Zero Tolerance” Policies with Natalie Millman, Thursday, March 14th

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Socratic Conversation:

The School-To-Prison Pipeline: The Effects of “Zero Tolerance” Policies with Natalie Millman, Thursday, 3/14, 4:45 to 6pm
Where:  Columbia University NY (RSVP to Natalie Millman at NatMillman@gmail.com – required to obtain exact location / address AND at http://www.meetup.com/Conversations-New-York/events/108095812/)

CARTOON-school-2prison

Schools and prisons, at first glance, may appear to have nothing to do with each other. However, “zero tolerance” policies instituted at schools around the country serve to funnel ‘dangerous’ students into prisons. Excessive policing, unequal sentencing, and the expansion of prisons all play a role in this phenomenon.

We will be addressing several questions during this conversation.
What knowledge do you have about this phenomenon from your own experience(s) or studies?

What do you think is more valuable – protecting law-abiding children or investing resources into rehabilitative services?

What would you like to see happen on a national, state, or local level concerning zero tolerance policies and excessive policing in schools?
What can we ourselves do to address the problem?

Suggest optional reading: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/20/denver-school-to-prison-pipeline_n_2725816.html

http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/02/in_2012_florida_arrested_12000_students_in_school–and_that_was_an_improvement.html

***
Inspired by Socrates’ famous conversations with his friends in the marketplace of 5th century Athens, we engage in spirited discussions of ideas and issues. Socratic conversations range broadly and probe deeply into the basic challenges of life. They are informed by the latest literature for reference and follow up. While building a sense of community on campus, these meetings enliven the intellectual atmosphere and model dialogue and discussion as modes of inquiry. They are part of a year long series of Socratic Conversations hosted by the Gottesman Libraries.

This highly-participatory Conversation will be conducted by Natalie Millman, MSW student at Columbia University School of Social Work. Natalie lives in Manhattan and works as an advocate for a variety of issues; her practice specialty is in health and disabilities with an interest in the aging population. Amongst other activities, Natalie teaches writing classes in Manhattan and has facilitated formal conversations for groups since May 2012.

Next session: Thursday, 3/28, Topic: America’s Direction: What Values & Whose Interests Should Guide Our Choices?

Follow CNY at http://www.conversationsnewyork.com.
Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/conversationsnewyork.
Want to Join the CNY team?: We have opportunities for professionals with relevant skills to contribute pro bonoto the development of CNY in several important areas:

Editorial
Calendar-development
Funding
Media Relations/Social Networking
Venue-finding and Evaluation
IT/Operations
Legal
We are also seeking organizational partners and funding, from public and private agencies who share our interest in fostering a richer cultural life in NYC.

RELATIONSHIPS: What We All Need to Know But Are Afraid to Ask – February 28

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RELATIONSHIPS

What We All Need to Know But Are Afraid to Ask
(The Statler Grill was kind enough to reserve 3 tables in a quiet room for us.  No purchases are required although The Statler would greatly appreciate your patronage.  Separate checks available on request.)

Thursday, February 28, RSVP and details at  http://www.meetup.com/Conversations-New-York/events/104568392/

Join us for food, drinks, and discussion.
Bring your questions and collective wisdom.
Each table votes for favorite a relationship question.
Short social before and in between rounds
–Greet old friends and meet new ones.

6:30 pm  Social
7:00  First Round
8:30  Second Round
9:30+ Continue conversations on your own

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CONVERSATIONS NEW YORK

picture-of-conversation

Imagine…

Hundreds of New Yorkers coming together in small groups of neighbors and fellow citizens to discuss topics of intensive interest…
Hosted at no cost and at convenient locations and times…
Aided by simple guiding principles…
Inspired by the city’s grand tradition of robust conversation…
Our vision is to inspire, organize, publicize, facilitate and celebrate a renaissance of healthy dialogue in New York City.

Join us!

How You Can Help Us Grow!

If you would like to easily add to our strength, we’d be grateful for your taking these easy steps:
1.  Visit us at https://conversationsnewyork.com/ to learn more about us, subscribe to our website, and spread the word.
2.  Share with us your reactions, questions, and suggestions about this venture.  conversationsnewyork@gmail.com
3. ”Like” our organization on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ConversationsNewYork and join   http://www.meetup.com/Conversations-New-York/
4.  Consider convening a Conversation yourself – https://conversationsnewyork.com/resources-for-moderators-2/
5.  Tell us about Conversations you think should be listed on our on-line calendar.  https://conversationsnewyork.com/calendar-of-conversations/
We hope you’re as excited as we are about promoting and encouraging stimulating conversations in New York City!

The “Talk-About” — a new opportunity for conversations for theater-going New Yorkers

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The “Talk-About” — a new opportunity for conversations for theater-going New Yorkers

Here’s something you might want to try, to enhance an upcoming night at the theater: we call it the “Talk About”!

This new kind of New York Conversation “opened” Off-Broadway at the SOHO Theater recently.    After a performance of Ingenious Nature,* eight playgoers gethered to share their reactions to the provocative work over drinks downstairs in the theater’s bar.

“It was great fun to hear what other people saw in it,” said Julie Epstein.  Another participant, Frank Purcell, said: “I found it  fascinating and illuminating”.   “Everyone’s looking for love, or sex, occasionally even both,” said a third discussant.  “It was fascinating to hear about some ways that the science of evolutionary psychology can help us find either– or even both!”

Convenor Ron Gross of CNY explains that “the  ‘Talk-About’  is a new wrinkle on the ‘Talk-Backs‘  that have become a familiar feature of New York theater, especially Off-Broadway”. “Such a conversation  enhances the experience of a night at the theater, by enriching your own experience as you share it with others.  You get to  review  the show from other peoples’ perspectives.”

So how about trying it on YOUR next night at the theater?   You can announce it on our calendar like this sample listing which appeared on Feb. 1st:

Discuss ‘All’s the Rage’  (title of your conversation)

Will you be attending  the show “All’s the Rage”, playing at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater on Saturday evening, Feb. 2nd?  We’d love to share reactions afterwards.   If you’re interested in joining us for a brief conversation about  this provocative play, meet us in the lobby as it lets out and we’ll adjourn to a suitable venue  in the building  or on the same block.  One of us will be wearing a yellow beret.

Sue Salko and Ron Gross

OR: Just type up half-a-dozen invitations** and leave a blank space for the location;  get to the theater  half-an-hour early to scout out a bar, pizza place, or other convenient venue; then keep your eye peeled during intermission for audience members who look like they might be interested!

* Ingenious Nature was a theatrical mix-tape, written and performed by Baba Brinkman, the Canadian rap artist, writer, and creator of  The Rap Guide to Evolution (2011 Drama Desk Award Nominee).

** Suggested text: 

Dear Fellow Theater-Goer:

Would you like to talk about the show afterwards?  We’d love to share reactions!  We’ll meet after the show let’s out, at NAME & ADDRESS.   (These “Talk Abouts” are promoted by Conversations New York — http://www.conversationsnewyork.com.)

 (Signed)  YOUR NAME

Welcome to Conversations New York!

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Imagine…

Hundreds of New Yorkers coming together in small groups of neighbors

and fellow citizens to discuss topics of intensive interest…

Hosted at no cost and at convenient locations and times…

Aided by simple guiding principles…

Inspired by the city’s grand tradition of robust conversation…

Our vision is to inspire, organize, publicize, facilitate and celebrate

a renaissance of healthy dialogue in New York City.

Prospectus

This website is in beta-testing.  Please send us any constructive feedback and event recommendations to conversationsnewyork@gmail.com

What Phil O’Brien is Saying About Conversations New York!

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Phil O’Brien, a distinguished entrepreneur, catalyst, and “connector” (www.philobrien.com) who is visiting New York to explore new projects,  joined our Steering Committee on January 4th and shared his characteristically high-spirited responses:

CNY Penn Meetup 5I recently had the pleasure of attending a planning session of a new group,  Conversations New York session, at Penn Station (in a table at the back of TGI Fridays). It was a diverse group (as would be expected from the melting pot of New York) – all committed to getting the art of conversation going in New York. They have a lovely statement that outlines their aims:-
IMAGINE…
Hundreds of New Yorkers coming together in small groups of neighbors
and fellow citizens to discuss topics of intensive interest…
Hosted at no cost and at convenient locations and times…
Aided by simple guiding principles…
Inspired by the city’s grand tradition of robust conversation…
Our vision is to inspire, organize, publicize, facilitate and celebrate
a renaissance of healthy dialogue in New York City.
At that small table were people dedicated to Socratic Learning, getting fellowship for seniors in the population through conversation, diversifying the conversations of blind people from just always talking about fund raising, simply getting people to “Talk to me”, encouraging the immigrant population of the Upper West Side to start conversations again in the Hungarian Pastry Shops and generally stop technology separating us.
I’m hoping that in my time in New York to help the group with its aims. They are already excellent catalysts for the conversations of New York. On their site – there is a calendar of monthly events, and they track the activities of over 50 groups creating conversations in New York. If you are in New York – please take a look at the calendar and join the conversation!
As I said in my last post “I’d like to help you explore through conversations with strangers your undiscovered genius, maybe add fire to your “mild rage” or give you a whole new perspective. I believe this could change you, the people you meet and maybe the world for better – and help us all rediscover our art!” These guys are doing a great job at this.
The group is truly committed to open, diverse conversations. Ron Gross, the inspiring Chairman of the group, expressed it well: “We work hard at making sure conversations are open to all – we know how easy it is for birds of a feather to flock together. We need different perspectives.”
Watch this space for more words and pictures on the Conversations of New York…
CNY Penn Meetup 2
CNY Penn Meetup 1
CNY Penn Meetup 4
CNY Penn Meetup 12
CNY Penn Meetup 13
CNY Penn Meetup 7