Ben Franklin Circles are conversation clubs modeled on Benjamin Franklin’s “Junto.” Franklin gathered a small group of peers for weekly meetings where they explored how to improve themselves and the world around them.
Ben Franklin Circles update Franklin’s original structure to a modern-day “club for mutual improvement.” Small groups meet regularly and use Franklin’s 13 civic virtues — temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity and humility — as prompts to discuss what they hope to achieve in their own lives and how they can improve the world for others.
The project encourages people to identify and discuss shared values and to set commitments to put those values into action.
Based on Franklin’s “club for mutual improvement,” these meetings help participants improve themselves and their communities.