Calling All Alumni...Become Part of Benjamin Franklin's Legacy

As we celebrate Ben Franklin Technology Partners 25th birthday, it is fitting to contemplate what he would do today to draw upon the wisdom and resources possessed by the thousands of Pennsylvania entrepreneurs that have benefited from their association with the Ben Franklin Technology Partners.

We know, based upon an account provided by H.W. Brands, that in 1727 Ben Franklin organized a club [known as the Junto] of inquirers into matters scientific, political and moral. New members were required to answer four questions: whether they had any disrespect for current members (a negative answer was anticipated); whether they loved mankind in general, regardless of religion or profession (yes); whether anyone ought to be harmed in his person, property, or reputation, merely on account of his opinions or way of worship (no); and whether they loved and pursued truth for truth’s sake and would impartially impart what they found of it to others (yes).

The group met on Friday evenings, first at a tavern, later at a house hired for the purpose. To guide discussions, Franklin formulated a set of queries. Had members encountered any citizen failing in his business, and if so, what was the cause? Conversely, were certain citizens thriving, and why? Had any citizen accomplished a particularly praiseworthy feat? How might it be emulated? Were there any egregious errors that ought to be avoided? Was anyone departing on a voyage, and might such person transport a message or material item for someone staying home? Had any strangers arrived in town, and had they been welcomed? Were there any young tradesmen who might be encouraged by the Junto’s patronage? Were there any worthy citizens to whom one Junto member might be introduced by another?

Franklin’s mates in the Junto were a diverse crew united chiefly by an inquiring spirit and a devotion to self-improvement. Joseph Breintnall, the merchant and scrivener, was substantially older than Franklin; outside his work he loved poetry and natural history. Thomas Godfrey, the glazier, was also a mathematician and inventor; he devised an improvement on the quadrant then commonly in use. Nicholas Scull and William Parsons might have employed Godfrey’s quadrant, for each become surveyor general of the colony. Otherwise Scull was a bibliophile, Parsons a cobbler and astrologer. William Maugridge was a cabinetmaker, William Coleman, a merchant’s clerk. Robert Grace was a gentleman, which meant that, unlike the others, he did not have to work for a living. Hugh Meredith, Franklin’s partner, was also a Junto member, as were Stephen Potts and George Webb, his former protégés at Keimer’s.

However much the Junto drew on the interests and talents of its membership, it clearly was Franklin’s creation. His was the initiative that started it, his the spirit that informed it. Franklin took pains not to dominate the discussions; small fines were assessed for unseemly self-assertion and these fines served as reminders to him as much as to the others. Yet if any group ever reflected the philosophical outlook and social sensibilities of one of its members, the Junto reflected Franklin’s.

In today's lexicon, clearly what Benjamin Franklin had established in 1727 was a "network." He drew upon the talents, resources and connections of his fellow Junto members, much like modern day professionals draw upon their networks for entree, the exercise of civic, social and fraternal responsibility, friendship, self-advancement, community betterment, comradelry and intellectual stimulation.

As a testament to Franklin's legacy and in commemoration of our 25th birthday the Ben Franklin Technology Partners is forming a BFTP alumni network. In considering whether to join our alumni network we ask prospective members to engage in a sefl-screening process by asking themselves the following four (4) questions: am I an entrepreneur that has been assisted by the BFTP (yes is the expected answer); do I possess experience, expertise and contacts that could be beneficial to other entrepreneurs who are walking in my footsteps (yes); do I have a passion for helping my fellow entrepreneurs (yes); do I have an interest and desire to help the organization that helped me continue to thrive so that it can help future generations of entrepreneurs (yes).

If you have answered "yes" to the above questions please indicate your interest in becomming part of the BFTP alumni network and "Join On-Line" or e-mail info@benfranklin.org. If you like, you can call 717-234-1748. Throughout 2008, the BFTP will take the initiative and provide the leadership to successfully structure and launch the alumni network. Please check back frequently and visit the "What's New" section to follow our progress and stay apprised of our plans.