Blue Mass Group

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First Amendment Day – I need your thoughts

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Hudson High School is a First Amendment School.

This means, among other things, that every year they have a “First Amendment Day,” Because I’m from Hudson and because of my blogging at Smart Mass, I have been asked to speak at our High School for an hour or so and possibly facilitate a discussion regarding the first amendment.

While some people freak out at the idea of public speaking, I am quite comfortable with it – I have been a management trainer for about 12 years and I love to “entertain.”

I have been offered the opportuntity to speak to an audience of twenty-five to 150 people. I get to pick the audience size and I get to pick the topic. I’m thinking I’ll go for the big room…

But, I need some help, I am far from expert on  the First Amendment and it is a pretty broad subject. I need to narrow things down a bit. What should I speak about? Can you brainstorm with me?

If you had an hour to speak to 150 high school students about the First Amendment, what would you talk about?

Thanks,

Mark

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Comments

  2. that unless you’re really experienced with handling big rooms, I’d suggest going for the smaller setting – you’ll get a much better discussion going (unless you’re thinking it’ll be just you talking without the students participating – wouldn’t recommend that). 

    • 100+ crowds before  not a concern but you are right, far less interactive than a smaller group…

  3. Maybe generate, with kids’ help, a list of things that would be different:

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    newspapers and blogs (including yours) that criticize elected officials;

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    bumper stickers and lawn signs;

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    church attendance — or choosing not to;

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    an official church (attendance mandatory) that began services with the Pledge of Allegiance;

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    calling a meeting of neighbors to try to reform schools or town government;

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    song lyrics;

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    T-shirts with writing on them;

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    etc., etc.

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    Have fun!

  4. I certainly think that blogs present an interesting discusion in regards to the First Amendment. Perhaps the responsibility of “Freedom of Speech” or should blogs be considered as part of “Freedom of the Press”? Blogs certainly are playing a role in our discussion of governing and politics.

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    Many blogs are very irresponsible in regards to facts, but on the other hand they can be considered opinion. Blogs themselves I think represent a disconnect from governing. I read about everyone complaining about government, but no one seems to want to get involved.

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    If blogs lead to more involvement that is a good thing.

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    I would stress with the students the importance of these First Amendment freedoms and the importance of getting involved with your government at all levels.

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    Stick to a group of 20-30. I think they would be more receptive than a large group.

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    Good luck.

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