Hi folks,

I’m hoping you’d like to join us for a StartSmart night!

I have been playing around with an idea of recreating my college discussion class on current affairs without the pressure of grades or the fear of being called on if you didn’t get all your reading done.

I always loved to hear what others knew because it broadened my understanding and on occasion it inspired friendly debates.  My daughter pointed out that this is basically a study group still practiced at schools, it’s been so long I forgot!   So I am proposing we form an informal study group. 
My main two reasons for purposing this other than I think it would be fun are: 

1) I often feel I do not know enough about a subject to discuss it intelligently

2)  I always feel pressed to find time to read in depth about anything. I’m thinking these frustrations are not uniquely mine.  I’m hoping getting together on occasion to discuss various topics would be a good way to address both these hurdles in a fun way.

Let’s get together for an hour or so to discuss a subject then break out the cocktails, at that point we either continue our discussion or just have a party!

I am also advocating that these discussions do not delve too heavily into politics.  I understand that subjects we choose at times may lead us in this direction, but truthfully I would prefer that we do not get too entrenched in political debates during our study group sessions. That could be a whole other evening!

 I am suggesting that each time we meet we choose a topic for the next discussion.  I also think that the host should do some basic reading on a subject then propose a few areas that others may like to read up on in more depth in order to share their findings with the group.  I am not suggesting we spend hours at home prepping; that is what I am trying to avoid!  I do think we could all benefit from just a little extra reading by a friend who is willing to share what they have learned. I am not really sure how this will all pan out but I thought we could give it a try and take it from there.

To start this off I chose to do some reading on the IMF (International Monetary Fund). Unlike the 1990s I simply Goggled the subject and read some interesting information from Wikipedia.  In general, Wikipedia may be a good starting point for the host. 

Some areas I thought might be good to take a closer look at regarding
the IMF are:

• The IMF and the world economy.  China is challenging the US dollar as the world standard. What would be the pros and cons to the US or other countries if we switched to a different standard?
• Controversy surrounding the IMF’s lending policies; focusing on the conditionality clause.
• Quota System used for voting power in the IMF.  Specifically having the US adopting legislation in December 2015 (the 2010 Quota or Governance Reforms). How will this effect lending and borrowing to member countries?
• In 2014 a China-led Asian Infrastructure began challenging the IMF and World Bank. What effect has or will this have on the world economy?
• Criticism of the IMF, targeting the theory on how it negatively effects world health, food supply and the environment. 
• Newest ideas to reform the IMF.
• Your research may lead you to a new area you would like to share with the group.

There are so many things we can discuss in the future, below are a few ideas I considered along with my first recruit to the group:

• Thailand culture & government
• Canada and its relationship with the United States
• Raising of the minimum wage-controversy over it
• Refugees in Europe
• The concept of The Internet of Things

Bring your ideas to the first meeting.  Also, anyone can host if they would like.

I’ll start us off; Wednesday, February 17 at the Martins  arrival to start at 7:15, discussion 7:30. The evening will be BYOB you may bring an appetizer (not required).  If a spouse is not interested in the discussion portion of the evening they can join us for the social hour!  However, I really would love this to be a coed group.  Eventually we may find Friday evenings  might work best to accommodate both the discussion and the party aspect of the evening. 

I hope you would like to join us.  Please RSVP.  (Maybe we should indicate what area you want to concentrate in the hope of covering as much ground as possible in the shortest amount of time?)

Start a conversation smart….join us for a Start Smart night!

 Thanks,

Karen M