American Revolution 2.0 - new community learning forum debuts this Sunday, Dec. 11

AMERICAN REVOLUTION 2.0 -- a new community learning forum launches in Morristown

As a response to what appears to be the greatest divide among the electorate in U.S. since the civil war, MaryLynn Schiavi, a resident of Long Valley, NJ decided to offer what she believes will be a solution -- American Revolution 2.0, a new community learning forum debuting in Morristown, NJ on Sunday, Dec. 11.

The forum, which will be held from 1 to 4:45 p.m. at the Morristown / Morris Township Public Library, 1 Miller Road, Morristown, will offer an interdisciplinary curriculum that will explore philosophical, ethical and political issues and offer participants a chance to learn and dialogue about America’s most pressing challenges such as: healthcare, immigration, education and training for the 21st century, job creation, environmental issues, and the growing gap between the rich and the poor.

She said, “Everyone in our society needs to be an active participant now. We no longer have the luxury to sit on the sidelines, cast a vote every four years and then run away. Democracy is not a spectator sport.”

"I asked myself -- what is most needed today to resolve our most pressing issues in a country that appears to be sharply divided on so many issues?" said Schiavi. “After cycling through the five stages of grief after the election, I took a deep breath and asked myself -- what are we going to do now to heal this sharply divided country? How are we ever going to move forward?”

“I realized that we have to find a way to invite more people to go beyond the headlines and the breaking news sound bites and deeply examine our most pressing issues and it might be better if it were done face-to-face," said Schiavi, writer-producer and executive producer of Pro Se Nation: understand the law for oneself, a television program on Princeton Community TV.

Schiavi said she plans to schedule at least one American Revolution 2.0 forum each month, offering everyone in the community an opportunity to sharpen their communication and critical and creative thinking skills and enter into substantive dialogue.

"My hope is that we will also be able to develop solutions to some of our greatest problems during our brainstorming sessions, fine tune them, and present them to our elected officials," she said.

For more information and to sign up, go to: https://www.meetup.com/American-Revolution-2-0-Community-Learning-Forum/events/235908019/ or use the form at: www.americanrevolution2.net or call: 908-256-5787.

Admission is free. Donations to cover cost of refreshments will be appreciated.

Topics and speakers scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11

1:30 to 2:05 p.m.

An exploration of identity:

Who you think you are determines every decision you make

Can we get beyond the labels that we find ourselves so firmly attached to? How differently would the world and our decisions appear to us if those labels no longer existed and we looked at the world and our problems through a wider lens? Through interactive dialogue and practices, author and communication coach Dana B. Lichtstrahl will explore how we view ourselves and understand our place in the world and the impact our view has on our decisions. Lichtstrahl is the author of five books including: Are You Watching?

2:15 to 3 p.m.

Is there a solution to the growing income inequality in America today?

Upendra Chivucula, former Deputy Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly and a resident of Somerset, will be discussing the ideas in his book, The 3rd Way: Building 'inclusive capitalism' through employee ownership which he co-authored with Veny Musum, Bernards Township Republican Committeeman. While the authors hail from different backgrounds and political parties they agree on the urgency to address income inequality. The 3rd Way offers an exploration of employee ownership, its history, and how Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) work The authors believe it's time to expand inclusive capitalism and economic democracy on an aggressive national and international scale for the benefit of everyone.

3:10 to 3:50 p.m.

'Hate speech' or 'Free Speech' ...What is the difference and should it matter?

What is ‘hate speech'? Does ‘hate speech’ affect our actions, decisions and worldview? If we have ‘freedom of speech' under the First Amendment, is speech ever unacceptable or unlawful? And when does it cross the line? Joshua C. Nathan, Esq., will share his perspectives followed by open discussion about this hotly debated issue. Joshua C. Nathan is a media attorney with more than 25 years of experience in the law and business of media, entertainment and advertising. Nathan, P.C., he served as Chief Strategy Officer for DIGO Brands and General Counsel for WNET New York Public Media.

4:00 to 4:25 p.m.

What will it take to 'Regenerate' America? And what is our role in it?

In an interview-style presentation with author and speaker Bo Lockwood, we will learn about his quest to 'Regenerate America.' From Lockwood's point of view, 'Regenerating America' requires individual transformation defying the belief that external sources resolve our problems. According to Lockwood, our society is plagued by inaccurate beliefs that lead us to live constrictive lives based on fear, competition, and separatism. He will present solutions for what he views as necessary 'regeneration.' Lockwood is the Co-author of Regenerating America, released in 2013 and ESSENCE, scheduled for release in early 2017.

4:25 to 4:45 p.m.

What does the Declaration of Independence mean to each of us today?

Each member of the audience will read a few lines from the document that established our American ideals. We will discuss what the values mean to each of us today. Discussion led by Gerry St. Onge, blogger and founder of Contributive Energy Rocks and a resident of Frenchtown. In addition to his 30 year career working in technology, management consulting, and executive recruiting, St. Onge has served on local and county government committees working toward sustainability and responsibility.