Name: Amie Pilla
Hometown: Berthoud, CO
Circle Start Date: January, 2019
What do you do when you’re not running a Ben Franklin Circle and what prompted you to start one?
By day (and sometimes by night) I run the public library here in Berthoud. When I’m not working, you can find me hiking with my husband, messing around on my piano, playing with my dogs, or reading.
What attracted you to the Circles?
Our library was looking for a way to increase our civic engagement in the community in a manner that isn’t simply voter education. I “met” the Circles at a conference, and we took it from there.
Tell us a little about the composition of your group?
Since we’re a public library, all our Circles are open to the public. We have a core group that comes every month as well as some individuals who come and go depending on the virtue we’re discussing. I think that lends a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to our Circles.
How has hosting a Ben Franklin Circle impacted you?
Since I serve as the facilitator of the discussions, I get to observe the moments when people hear something that makes them think. Those moments have reminded me about the difference between listening to understand and listening to respond.
Which virtue means the most to you personally and why?
So far the most insight has come from the discussions on Resolution. I’ve realized that the need to keep my promises to myself is just as valid as the need to keep my promises to others.
What is the last commitment you made to yourself? How’s it going?
My last commitment was to analyze my spending for the last year and create a budget. I’ve always recorded my receipts, but haven’t gone back to examine my spending habits. So far, so good, although this project is taking me longer to complete than I thought it would.
Join an information session for new and prospective hosts. Offered every 2nd Friday of the month. REGISTER HERE