ABOUT THE MARYLAND THURSDAY MEETING

The Maryland Thursday Meeting, held the second Thursday of every month, provides an opportunity for Marylanders with different concerns on the center-right to hear from activists and experts, to learn what others of similar persuasions are doing, and to plan common action.

Our format follows Americans for Tax Reform's national Wednesday Meeting - - - with some modifications. There are always a number of speakers - - - both major presenters and shorter takes. So we must keep moving - - - every presenter is under some pressure to be pithy, and there is rarely time for all questions. But there is always the next meeting and the one after that, and there is always time to talk after the meeting.

Presenters should generally aim to speak not more than five minutes, followed by questions and answers. We recommend bringing a handout as well.

THURSDAY MEETING RULES OF THE ROAD

• Questions, and back-and-forth must go through the chair.
• The meeting back-and-forth exchanges are off-the-record.
• This is an alliance, not an organization formulating an orthodoxy - - - thus we seek common ground for practical action.
• Even if you disagree strongly with a presenter’s opinion, simply note your dissent with a carefully aimed question (not a speech), then move on; there are ample opportunities for discussion after the meeting.
• Remember that a presenter whose views you see as ill-considered on a particular matter today may be an essential ally on another matter in three months.
• Please engage by well-crafted questions, not by manifestoes nor by personal digressions - we have already had our political conversions.
• Everyone is encouraged to participate, not just the regulars.
• Overall, be respectful of others by not poaching on their question time - - - many participants have come a long way and spent some hours to get to this morning’s meeting.