UPCOMING ATHENIAN DIALOGUES
2024 virtual dialogue, Book TBD: … I’ve been asked to offer Untamed by Glennon Doyle and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells. I will be reading these this fall for a virtual dialogue in January, February and/or March. Stay tuned.
UPCOMING - 2023 November 14 at NEACTC Conference, Book: Destiny of the Republic, A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President, by Candice Millard, sponsored by NEACTC in Westbrook, CT. This story is about James Garfield’s rise by unprecedented and unanimous vote as Presidential Nominee and his short lived presidency. Millard begins her story with the assassin and gives us a glimpse of his twisted mind. She then takes us through the political intrigue of the players on both sides of party lines, some supportive, others egocentric. In the middle of the book, she shares an obscure story about an entrepreneur. His is a household name today: Bell, after the telephone he invented. Bell was asked to bring his latest sound invention to locate the bullet in Garfield’s body. Tragically the story ends because of unsanitary medical practices, although very common at the time. Sepsis sets in despite Dr. Lister’s attempts at offering his “new” concept of cleaning the wounds with antiseptic. Written like a historical novel, it’s a good story.
UPCOMING - 2023 December 13-14 virtual dialogue, Book: My Fight/Your Fight, by Ronda Rousey, sponsored by the Maine Municipal Association and Maine Municipal Clerks. A surprisingly inspiring and easy read. A very young Ronda Rousey follows her mother’s journey to also become an Olympic medalist in judo. Ronda then pushes herself further to become the reigning UFC women's bantamweight champion. This is her story: that agonizing path to success.
Athenian Leadership Dialogues
Seminars for Municipal Leaders: virtual or live
Sponsored by various municipal associations in the United States, over 11,000 members of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks are invited to participate in dialogues to enhance their personal skills as leaders. As an Athenian Facilitator, my book choices are usually selected from the list compiled by the Athenian Society of IIMC. I prefer a book with a historical reference and love one that engages the deeper questions in life. In six hours, we make the time fly in small chat rooms or take a walk-about in the local town or city. Depending on your sponsor, the cost varies between $50-$125 per participant. Read the book to engage with us. This is a dialogue where your opinion matters. Always, I invite you to email me if you need a mentor or would like to offer a new book for the IIMC list.
EXAMPLE of Athenian Dialogue
Pictured below is a typical live Athenian Dialogue. Everyone has the opportunity to share, to listen and discuss their challenges and successes as leaders in their city or town.
“ I wanted to thank you for selecting a book so full of great lessons, not just on leadership but that can be applied in life as well. And, for running such a wonderful dialogue. Your style encourages participation on an exceptional level.”
“Dawn, Thank you very much for offering this course, it was great! The book [Finding Me by Viola Davis] was fantastic and the dialogue we all had together was the best one I’ve had so far!”
PRIOR DIALOGUES
2023 September 14-15 virtual dialogue, Book: Finding Me by Viola Davis. Sponsored by the Vermont Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association. In Viola’s words…“In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever. This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path I took to finding my purpose but also my voice in a world that didn’t always see me. Finding Me is a deep reflection, a promise, and a love letter of sorts to self. My hope is that my story will inspire you to light up your own life with creative expression and rediscover who you were before the world put a label on you.”
“Thank you so much for the exposure to such a raw and fruitful text. I found it very liberating.”
2023 June 7 in Plymouth, MA: Daring Greatly, How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead by Brene’ Brown. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association. This book gives another perspective on leading from a place of vulnerability. Brene’ explains that being authentic gives us more power as leaders. In the video’s we share, you will hear her Texas accent and laugh at her stories. A good read.
2023 May31-June 1 Finding Me by Viola Davis sponsored by the Maine Municipal Association and Maine Municipal Clerks. Hot off the press, I bought this book and submitted it to IIMC for approval. They accepted and we held a lively and interactive discussion about Viola Davis’ resilience to get through her childhood of extreme poverty and sexual abuse. Her qualities of perseverance, courage, vulnerability permeated our small group chats on leadership with our community. This was a terrific audio book in her own voice.
“Thank you so much for facilitating this book. It is probably the most impactful Athenian that I have participated in. It made me dig deep and really open up with the small group discussions and the assessment. I plan to reread the book and really embrace the “lessons” within the pages.”
Greenlights by Matthew McConauhey on 2023 March 15-16 a hybrid dialogue. Sponsored by “Little Rhodie” City and Town Clerks Association. Held in person in West Warwick. This book makes me laugh, cry and helps me find the truths that enrich our lives. It’s a personal account of McConauhey’s youth, his career choices, but unlike many actors, he dives deeply into personal questions. An easy read but it will make you pause.
“Thank you so much for facilitating the Greenlights dialogue! I truly enjoyed discussing with the group as well as all the special touches, specifically the videos you added to the discussion. Looking forward to participating again in the future.”
“Thank you SO MUCH for a great Athenian [Greenlights]. I looked back and that was my sixth – and I have to say, my favorite.
Just a great book – never expected it to be that good. And you did a great job. Nice to spend time with people in New England.”
I Am Malala a hybrid dialogue on 2023 January 18-19. Sponsored and organized by Christine Wolfe’s before she left the Maine Municipal Association. Together Christine Wolfe and I collaborated to offer compelling books not only for the Maine Town Clerks Association but for the benefit of all Municipal Clerks in the country. This book also gave us pause on how much one person can do to change the world. Born in Pakistan during the rise of the Taliban, this true story is almost unreal for those of us living in the decadence of western society. However had a great conversation for this virtual dialogue!
“Thank you so much for facilitating “I am Malala” for us ! I loved being able to have the group conversations both with large and small groups.”
“Thank you for a wonderful Athenian Dialogue [I am Malala]..”
Toto’s Reflections by Kevin Fickensher on Oct 11, 2022 live at the - New Hampshire Fall Conference in Manchester, NH. A quick and easy read but don’t let the number of pages fool you. There are some great lessons in this book about the characters of the Wizard of Oz. It will have you laughing, recognizing yourself, revealing some things about your staff, your boss or others you work with but it will also help you understand the value of teamwork. This author takes you through to Oz from the perspective of Toto, the dog. It’s clever, it’s real and it is about life lessons we can all benefit from.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer a hybrid dialogue held on Sept 19, 2022 Sept. Sponsored by the Vermont Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association at their Annual Fall conference in Fairlee, VT still feeling the wisps of CoVid-19. This book was a new one to IIMC. It’s about our human relationship to the planet and how to understand it. A friend of Liz Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love), Dr. Kimmerer is a scientist, a professor of biology and a member of one of North America's First Nations. She helps us translate the language of plants and how they help us get through life. If you remember Rachel Carlson’s, Silent Spring, this is the 2022 upgrade.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey on Sept 14, 2022 Sept 14. Sponsored by the Connecticut City and Town Clerks Association in person at the Westbrook Town Hall, CT. This is one of my favorite books. McConaughey is so honest about his feelings. It’s a philosophical book and an easy read but the concepts are deeply rooted in ways to find your greatest strengths and focus always on the positive!
“Thank you again. I hope to see you again soon. In the meantime, I will be sure to be mindful of all the greenlights in my life.”
“This being my first dialogue was quite inspirational. The openness and bond that was created in that circle was both personally and professionally lifting. I actually may say that it was one of my “greenlights,” as it gave me clarity into what I was/am experiencing in my new
role and that I am not alone.”
2022 Aug 3 and 4 a virtual dialogue The Zookeeper’s Wife, A War Story by Diane Ackerman sponsored by the Maine Municipal Association. "The Zookeeper's Wife" is a real-life story of one working wife and mother who became a hero during World War II. Antonina Żabińska (Jessica Chastain) and her husband, Dr. Jan Żabiński (Johan Heldenbergh), have the Warsaw Zoo flourishing under her care and his stewardship in 1939 Poland. When their country is invaded by the [Nazi regime], Jan and Antonina are then forced to report to the Reich's newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck (Daniel Brühl). Deciding to fight back, the Żabińskis secretly begin working with the Resistance and start plans to save lives out of what has become the Warsaw Ghetto, with Antonina putting herself and her children in great peril.” [excerpt from Build Series on YouTube]
“Testimonial: This was my third Athenian and by far the best one I have attended. The book [Zookeeper’s Wife] was enjoyable but I really enjoyed the class itself. ”
“Testimonial: Thank you for another great Athenian Dialogue, The Zoo Keepers Wife, I look forward to another soon!”
2022 July 17 - The Sound of Wings: The Life of Amelia Earhart by Mary S. Lovell sponsored by NEMCI & A [New England Municipal Clerks Institute and Academy] in Plymouth, NH. This book is a love story between Amelia, a smart, determined female aviator ahead of her time (1930’s) and George Putnam, a temperamental but influential public relations man. We will explore these main characters: what drives a person to want to fly around the world solo, and how her husband greatly influenced Amelia’s success.
“Testimonial: “Thanks again, Dawn! As always, your dialogues are intriguing and certainly make us think about how we
can apply the lessons in the book [Amelia Earhart] to our personal and professional lives.”
2022 June 19 - Shoot Like a Girl, by Mary Jennings Hagar sponsored by the Florida Association of City Clerks in Orlando, FL. Major Hagar began ROTC in 1999 at the University of Texas. She became a pilot in the Air National Guard. During her third tour in Afghanistan in 2009, she was shot down on a MEDAVAC mission. She was the sixth woman in history to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor Device. (Amelia Earhart was the first ). Major Hagar filed suit against the Secretary of Defense asserting its Combat Exclusion Policy was unconstitutional. One year later the policy was repealed.
“Testimonial: “Thank you for an amazing Athenian. You definitely are my favorite. Please send me other Athenians you will be doing and if available via zoom, I will definitely sign up.”
2022 May 4 and 5 - Book: Eat, Pray, Love, One Woman’s Search for Everything across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert sponsored by the Maine Municipal Association. An engaging virtual dialogue with Municipal Clerks from Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland,Ohio, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia! Confused with her life, Liz Gilbert set out on a journey to three countries to find herself: Italy, India and Indonesia. This is her story of finding balance in life, of enjoying the small pleasures, like pizza in Naples and learning to listen to her inner voice.
Testimonial: “Dawn is a master facilitator and chose the perfect book for all of us. The topics covered [in Eat Pray Love] are relevant to us and in some ways it was group therapy. We all need it.” —-Mary F. from New York May2022
2022 February 23 - Book: Greenlights, by Matthew McConauhey a virtual dialogue sponsored by the Maryland Municipal Clerks Association. Special shout out to Jessie Cropper, Deputy City Clerk who “met” me over Zoom during the summer. This AD had participants from Maryland, New Jersey, West Virginia and our ‘early bird’ in Alaska.
“I want to thank you for the best Athenian Dialogue I have attended. You were engaging and made me come out of my shell. It was fun. These dialogues are a personal journey for me which you will see in my assessment.[Greenlights].”
“ You have quickly become one of my favorite facilitators. You are funny, wise, thoughtful and kind and you are really great at getting us to engage. I thought, what the heck are three women who don’t know each other going to talk about for 45 minutes? But before you know it, the time whipped on by and we were amazed!”
2022 January 19-20 mornings - Book: It Worked for Me in Life and Leadership by Colin Powell a virtual dialogue sponsored by the Maine Municipal Association with participants from Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, Kentucky and Florida.
“I enjoyed the dialogue [about Colin Powell] with Dawn. This has either been my third or fourth with her. I’m glad the dialogues can be on Zoom, as this gets us in touch with our fellow clerks from around the country and world. Thanks for sharing your dialogues with us down south!!”
2022 January 9 Sunday - Book: It Worked for Me in Life and Leadership by Colin Powell a virtual dialogue sponsored by the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association with participants from Massachusetts, Iowa, Connecticut and California.
“I really enjoyed the Athenian Dialogue you facilitated. It was one of my favorites. It was fun to have [Municipal] Clerks from different areas of the country and amazing how our experiences are the same, yet different. [Colin Powell, It Worked For Me.]”
October 3, 2021 Book: Greenlights by Matthew McConauhey, a virtual dialogue sponsored by the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association with participants from Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois and Massachusetts.
“Thank you for facilitating. You made my day. I loved your fun approach. I enjoyed the positive teaching you presented.[Greenlights]”
Sept 27 and 29, 2021- Book: Mandela’s Way, Fifteen Lessons on Life, Love and Courage, by Richard Stengel, a virtual dialogue sponsored by the Maine Town and City Clerk’s Association and Maine Municipal Association.
Mandela’s Way, a dialogue with courageous Municipal Clerk leaders from Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, North and South Caroline, Texas and South Africa!
“ I wanted to thank you for selecting a book so full of great lessons, not just on leadership but that can be applied in life as well, and for running such a wonderful dialogue. Your style encourages participation on an exceptional level. I truly enjoyed this one. [Mandela’s Way]”
“Thank you so much again for such a wonderful dialogue and experience. I look forward to participating in another one of your dialogues in the future. [Mandela’s Way]”
“Lean In” AD - in person - on Lake Morey in Fairlee, VT
Sept 22, 2021: BOOK Lean In, Women, Work and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg. Sponsored by the Vermont Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association on Lake Morey nestled in the White Mountains of Vermont.
Sandberg is chief operating officer of Facebook and coauthor of Option B with Adam Grant. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TED talk in which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which has been viewed more than six million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto.[excerpt from Amazon]
A virtual dialogue on August 26, 2021-BOOK: My Fight/Your Fight, by Ronda Rousey, sponsored by Rhode Island City/Town Clerks.
“The fight is yours to win.” In this inspiring and moving book, Ronda Rousey, the Olympic medalist in judo, reigning UFC women's bantamweight champion, and Hollywood star charts her difficult path to glory.[excerpt from Amazon site]
June 26, 2021-Book: Hidden Figures, The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly. Sponsored by the FACC at their annual conference in Ft.Myers, Florida Saturday 9am-4:30. A special thanks to Amy Brewer for inviting me.
Virtual dialogue 16-17 June 2021-Book: Daring Greatly, How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead by Brene’ Brown. Sponsored by the Maine City and Town Clerks Association and Maine Municipal Association. Special thanks to Shelly Crosby, Christine Wolf and Cynthia Fortier.
Athenian dialogue on The Everything Store, Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone.
Honoring social distancing and wearing masks, we held our first in person dialogue at the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in Grand Rapids, Michigan. First time this book was offered by IIMC, at their annual conference on May 9, 2021.
April 22-23, 2021: Greenlights, by Matthew McConaughey.
This virtual dialogue took place from 8:30amET-12pm for two weekday mornings allowing our Alaskan and West Coast colleagues from California and Arizona to join in super early those two mornings. Sponsored by the Maine City and Town Clerks Association.
”In 2009, Matthew and his wife, Camila, founded the just keep living Foundation, which helps at-risk high school students make healthier mind, body, and spirit choices. In 2019, McConaughey became a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as Minister of Culture/M.O.C. for the University of Texas and the City of Austin. McConaughey is also brand ambassador for Lincoln Motor Company, an owner of the Major League Soccer club Austin FC, and co-creator of his favorite bourbon on the planet, Wild Turkey Longbranch.”
--excerpt from Amazon.com
Feb. 7, 2021-Book: Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly. A virtual dialogue sponsored by Vermont City/Town Clerks on Sunday. A special thanks to Town Clerk, Diane Judd for a record number of 25 virtual participants representing their cities and towns in Alaska, California, Arizona, Florida, my home state of Massachusetts, little Rhodie, Ohio, Washington state, West Virginia, Maine and of course, Vermont. We also welcomed a Canadian from British Columbia making this dialogue “international!” [photo courtesy of Elizabeth]
“With the sharing in the post-Athenian email thread happening this morning, great “take aways” are still happening! New friendships are forming not to mention the continued sharing of resources like “Surge Capacity” which I still have to check out. The collaboration aspect of our Athenians are “priceless,” and oh so necessary to our development and continuing education. [Book: Hidden Figures by Margot Shetterly]”
“It was great to meet all of you! I enjoyed the discussion and appreciate the opportunity to participate.”
“I had a wonderful time yesterday with all of you!! It’s SO great to see familiar faces during these classes, and getting to know new ones. You all make me feel like part of a family!! The classes are so interesting that it doesn’t even seem like six hours!! Thank you for always doing a great job Dawn and Diane. I look forward to the next one.”
Nov. 15, 2020-Book: Notorious Victoria: The Life of Victoria Woodhull, Uncensored by Mary Gabriel. A virtual dialogue organized by Diane Judd for the Vermont City and Town Clerks as a fundraiser. This dialogue was held in November during the pandemic and only weeks after a grueling presidential election.
“She [Victoria] was the first woman to address the U.S. Congress, the first to operate a brokerage firm on Wall Street, and the first to run for president [in 1872]. She’s the woman Gloria Steinem called “the most controversial suffragist of them all.” In this extensively researched biography, journalist Mary Gabriel has written a comprehensive account of one of American history’s most unusual and fascinating women, who, in an era of Victorian morality, was the loudest and most radical voice for women’s equality.”
!["I thoroughly enjoyed attending the [virtual] Athenian Dialogue with all of you! The discussion time was great. Thank you Dawn for facilitating another wonderful class." Elizabeth G., North Lauderdale, Florida Nov2020 [Book: Notorious Victoria by …](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5be498abb10598d533dee80d/1613087169482-AQ0YS1KXTSE8B4P0U012/2020+Nov15+Athenian+Victoria+image.jpg)
"I thoroughly enjoyed attending the [virtual] Athenian Dialogue with all of you! The discussion time was great. Thank you Dawn for facilitating another wonderful class." Elizabeth G., North Lauderdale, Florida Nov2020 [Book: Notorious Victoria by Mary Gabriel]
Sept. 13, 2020-Book: Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies, by J.B. West and Mary Lynn Kotz. A special thanks to Holland Town Clerk, Diane Judd for attempting our first virtual Athenian dialogue which allowed participants from Alaska, West Virginia, Florida, California, Kansas, Ohio, Virginia and Vermont to participate! This was a successful fundraiser for the Vermont City/Town Clerks Association.
![“Dawn you are an incredible facilitator.” Norma A., Palmer, Alaska Sept2020. [Book: Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by JB West and Mary Lynn Kotz]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5be498abb10598d533dee80d/1613088171167-GJO10IYCIXGGLLXTKEAJ/2020+Sept13+Athenian+Dialogue+Screenshot.jpg)
“Dawn you are an incredible facilitator.” Norma A., Palmer, Alaska Sept2020. [Book: Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by JB West and Mary Lynn Kotz]
“Thank you for a great Sunday and a terrific way to earn my 10th ALD! I look forward to hopefully another dialogue with all of you in the near future. [Book: Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by JB West and Mary Lynn Kotz]
”
“Thanks for all that you do for the Clerk world. [Book: Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by JB West and Mary Lynn Kotz]”
Book: Eat Mor’ Chikin’, Inspire More People, by Cathy Truett on Jan.16, 2020. Sponsored by Connecticut City/Town Clerks. A special thanks to Town Clerk, Karen Mowad for hosting us at the Wolcott Town Hall, CT.
“Thank you again for a great experience and I look forward to joining your classes again in the future. [Book: Eat Mor Chikin, by S Truett Cathy]”
“Dawn – so nice to spend the day with you and the class – loved taking dialogues with you very inviting and educational. [Book: Eat Mor Chikin by S. Truett Cathy]”
“Thank you for another memorable Athenian-two in a row. It was a fantastic two days. [Books: This is Me, Chrissy Metz and Eat Mor Chikin by S. Truett Cathy]”
Book: This is Me, Loving the Person You Are Today by Chrissy Metz on January 15, 2020. Sponsored by Wolcott Town Clerk, Karen Mowad and Michele Grande, Redding Town Clerk as a fundraiser for NEACTC 2023, Connecticut City/Town Clerks.
“Thank you for once again bringing us a thought provoking and fun Athenian. You are the best! [Book: This is Me, by Chrissy Metz]”
Book: Enjoying the Ride, Two Generations of Tragedy and Triumph by Mitch Sturgeon on Nov. 19, 2019. Sponsored by NEACTC Maine Clerks in Rockport, Maine with Mitch Sturgeon attending via Zoom link!
“Thank you again for being a GREAT facilitator.”
“Dawn, great class. Thank you for the variety in the class, exercises and activities, that allowed us to delve more deeply in to the book and learn more about ourselves and our leadership styles. [Book: Enjoying the Ride by Mitch Sturgeon] DianneB Wenham, MA Nov2019”
“Thanks again for a stellar dialogue! [Book: Enjoying the Ride by Mitch Sturgeon]”
“Again, thanks for a great class and know that I’ll be forwarding your Facilitator card off to the Region III Directors! [Book: Enjoying the Ride by Mitch Sturgeon]”
“As always, it was a pleasure [to be] in your class. You have a way of making the class interactive and engaging. The time flies by as well. I look forward to a Dialogue so much when I know you will be the facilitator. [Book: Enjoying the Ride by Mitch Sturgeon]”
Book: Becoming, by Michelle Obama on Sept 18, 2019. Sponsored by Connecticut City/Town Clerks. A special thanks to Town Clerk, Joan Angelini for hosting us at the Westbrook Town Hall, CT.
“Dawn is one my favorite facilitator’s. She has a constant positive energy that is addictive. I find that Dawn is very encouraging, which women in our professional work need consistently each day. As a facilitator, her discussions always have a positive tone and a thoroughly uplifting experience. [Book: Becoming by Michelle Obama]”
“Dawn is an awesome facilitator! Well prepared, Dawn will included videos, articles, cultural items, etc. to create a discussion that is educational, stimulating, thought provoking (at times!) and never boring. Thank you Dawn for all your hard work, I have enjoyed every Athenian that she has facilitated. [Book: Becoming by Michelle Obama]”
“As a lifelong learner, I have attended many classes both professionally and personally. Ms. Michanowicz is an amazing teacher and mentor! She is a master at orchestrating our Athenian Dialogue classes, encouraging group participation, and teaching in a way that is creative and relevant to real life applications. Dawn has a natural gift for being a leader and a personality that keeps the class engaged and motivated. [Book: Becoming by Michelle Obama]”
Book: Cleopatra, by Stacy Schiff on April 3, 2019. Sponsored by Connecticut City/Town Clerks in Farmington Town Hall, CT.
“Thank you again for such an engaging and interesting Athenian! [Book: Cleopatra A Life by Stacy Schiff]”
“Thank you so much for another enjoyable dialogue experience! [Book: Cleopatra, A Life by Stacy Schiff]”
Book: Revolutionary Mothers: Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence, by Carol Berkin on March 19, 2019. Sponsored by IIMC Region 1 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
“I have participated in 2 Athenian Dialogues with Dawn Michanowicz and found her to be a thorough facilitator with the ability to make one feel at ease and relaxed while absorbing an abundance amount of [historical] knowledge. Dawn is conscientious with the [extensive] material she presents to the class while allowing the class the ability to relate to the material she is reviewing, based on their own jobs and life experiences. [Book: Revolutionary Mothers, Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence by Carol Berkin]”
“I recently participated in an Athenian Leadership Dialogue with Facilitator Dawn Michanowicz. This was not my first dialogue but it certainly was my best. Ms. Michanowicz held a very active, engaging conversation with all those in the classroom. She was extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter. It was evident the she studied her material and was extremely prepared. I found this dialogue to be interesting and thankful that it was interactive. Ms. Michanowicz was always able to circle the conversation back to Municipal Clerks and out roll in Leadership. [Book: Revolutionary Mothers, Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence by Carol Berkin]”
“Dawn Michanowicz Athenian Dialogue facilitator - creative, organized, interesting, fun, involved - and yes I just described a facilitator for an Athenian dialogue. With the right teacher you will be encouraged to take more dialogues!! You will be hooked!! [Book: Revolutionary Mothers, Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence by Carol Berkin]”
Book: Upstairs in the White House in November 2018. Sponsored by the New England City/Town Clerks Association in Newport, RI.
“You are simply amazing and I am so happy you were able to be a part of something so special. I heard wonderful things about your class so congratulations on that. [Book: Upstairs at the White House, My Life with the First Ladies by J.B. West with Mary Lynn Kotz]”
“The Athenian Dialogue that Dawn conducted was interesting, educational and fun. The book and our group discussions were wonderful, and the session was very engaging and interactive. Dawn’s spirit and enthusiasm for both the topic and our understanding of the book’s lessons were greatly appreciated. Dawn is a great facilitator and was able to highlight and reinforce some of the book’s features through supplemental videos and small group exercises. [Book: Upstairs at the White House, My Life with the First Ladies by J.B. West with Mary Lynn Kotz]”
Book: “Where Men Win Glory” Revised Edition of 2010 (Pat Tillman), by Jon Krakauer on Sept 12, 2018. Sponsored by the Connecticut City/Town Clerks in Westbrook, CT.
Book: Revolutionary Mothers: Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence, by Carol Berkin. Sponsored by the Massachusetts City/Town Clerks Association in Plymouth, MA 14June2018
Book: Notorious Victoria, The Life of Victoria Woodhull, Uncensored, by Mary Gabriel. Sponsored by Connecticut City/Town Clerks 18Apr2018
