Tag Archives: Agora Speakers International

NOTES of a NOMAD #300 -Inspire, Influence and Be Understood -14 November 2025.

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“The future doesn’t belong to the smartest person in the room… It belongs to the one who can inspire, influence, and be understood.”

The new mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, demonstrates that the future belongs to people who can connect, move others and communicate with clarity and purpose.

This is what we promote in Agora Speakers International.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #299 -Preparing Our Youth for An Unfamiliar World -7 November 2025

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As an Agora Speakers Ambassador for Canada and Youth Programs, here is a case on how educators can implement projects to help our youth prepare for the rapidly changing and unfamiliar world.

If you know any educators who would like to explore the various approaches Agora Speakers offers, have them reach me by email at mqsjones@gmail.com

Please contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #294 -What It Means To Be a Canadian -4 October 2025

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In a recent radio program, a possible national service for young people was discussed, and the topic of what it means to be a Canadian was reviewed.

A seventeen-year-old in Toronto had some comments about the teaching of civic literacy in our varied educational systems in Canada, which I found intriguing.

I plan to reach out to him to determine if some of his initiatives may work with the approaches that Agora Speakers International has to offer.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #288 -To Newcastle upon Tyne for AGORACON 2025 -22 August 2025.NOTES

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This past week, I travelled to Newcastle upon Tyne in England to visit those who are organising the first session of the annual Agora Speakers International convention.

I have enjoyed meeting many of the people who are organising the AGORACON 2025 session, scheduled for this Sunday, August 24.

There are some wonderful presentations planned, and if you are curious please join us.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #282 -Voices from Romania

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This week, I had the pleasure of receiving recordings of four students in Romania about their Agora Speakers experiences.

If you listen to Maria, Yustin, Teodora, and Ariana and know anyone else in Canadian schools who would be interested, please share.

Gathering voices from people involved with Agora Speakers in schools is part of my project to introduce Agora Speakers into Canadian schools.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #223 -A Message from Nepal -19 May 2024

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A few days ago I received a surprise message from a school I visited in 2023 during my last week in Nepal.

The Wings Agora Speakers Club they started has been active for the past year and they have invited me to join their meeting.

As I had not heard from them since last year, this was an exciting message!

NOTES of a NOMAD #210 -Yuri-WAR -18 February 2024

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This video covers a sober topic, that is war.

I just heard that the friend’s brother passed away from being injured in the war in Ukraine.

War impacts the infrastructure, economy, health, education, environment, and many other aspects of our world.

I hope one hundred years from now, that some of my future descendants will see this video and say that does not happen anymore!

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #203 -The Middle Way -31-December-2023

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In a recent Afterparty at an Agora Speakers meeting the teaching of ‘The Middle Way’ from Buddha was mentioned as we discussed the status of the world.

I found it interesting that many philosophers such as Aristotle and many religions have a similar message on how to approach life in moderation.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #201 -Changing Lives -17 December 2023

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If you have watched some of my previous videos you likely noted that I believe communication skills are important.

Improving our communication skills has a positive impact on our lives.

How can we inform people about how they can improve their lives enormously by practicing and improving their communication skills?

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #200 -“WHAT” 200 Videos? -10 December 2023

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Should you ever wonder where you can easily find the videos that I have posted since February 2020, there is a website.

On the website, there is a list of all the posts with a brief description and a link to each video.

I describe the website and show the page containing the list of videos with links to each video.

The site can be found at https://www.notesofanomad.ca/

Please contact me with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #194 -How to Know A Person -29 October 2023

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An interview with the authour, David Brooks about his recent book, “How to Know A Person,” inspired some thoughts about deep listening and helping others.

When we conduct effective conversations and listen actively to others we make others feel heard, understood, and recognized.

This can help us find common ground, solve problems, and improve the world around us.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #191 -Speak Out – Lead – Make History -8 October 2023

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With another conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hammas the average citizen is the one who suffers.

I believe a formula that will help solve so many problems in the world is ‘Speak Up – Lead – Make History.’

We can all dig deeper into our lives, step up, and apply the above formula by improving our communication and leadership and making the world better.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

 

NOTES of a NOMAD #190 -100 Years From Now -1 October 2023

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This past week I received an email from a high school student asking me to write a reference for her debate coach application.

Her mother suggested that she include what she wrote when asked about a person who inspired her.

This made me think about my favorite quote about 100 Years From Now

Please contact me with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #184 -Climate Change -20 August 2023

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I have noticed so many more extreme weather situations in the past few years.

When I was in Australia a few years ago they experienced terrible fires. What happened in Hawaii a few weeks ago was horrendous.
Here in Canada we are in the midst of the worst wildfire season on record impacting so many people.
As the world changes there are more issues requiring us to fix and thus we need to be able to change how we communicate and collaborate to solve the many challenges.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #166 NEPAL -Week Ten -(Inaruwa) -17 April 2023

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It was New Year’s Day in Nepal last week.

So Happy New Year for 2080 according to the Hindu calendar used in Nepal.

Also, since last week was during school vacation I conducted a Summer Camp approach having them at the school in the morning and a road trip some afternoons.

We did journaling, Agora Speakers practices, learning to cook, and four road trips.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #165 -Week Nine -(Damak) -10 April 2023

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This past week, I had an enthusiastic reception in the school and the library that I visited.

Also, the bus ride from Damak to Inaruwa has some dramatic activities which delayed my arrival in Inaruwa.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #164 -NEPAL -Week Eight (Dharan) -1 April 2023

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I spent the past week at the Shree Public School which has 3425 students.

It was the first government-run school as all previous schools were private schools.

I will maintain contact with the English teacher, Buddha Sagar as he appears enthusiastic about the Agora Speakers program.

I received an interesting ‘Token of Love’ from the school.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #163 -NEPAL -Week Seven -(Pokara) -26 March 2023

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I spent this week in Pokhara which is Nepal’s most popular tourist destination and is known for its Himalayan range and lakes, and its adventure activities.

I am not a good tourist. I saw or did none of the above.

I did work in a school and a college and did do a few unexpected things.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #162 -NEPAL -Week Six (Nepalgunj) -19 March 2023

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This past week was spent in Nepalgunj which is close to the border with India.

I had a great time working with about eighty students in the Spring Dell Academy from Grade 5 to Grade 10.

The school principal was very supportive and interested in the Agora Speakers Youth program.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #161 -NEPAL -Week Five (Chitran) -10 March 2023

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After a 13-hour bus ride, I arrived in Chitwan, Nepal on Sunday morning where I worked with the students at Orchid School.

I continue to learn as we progress and enjoy the hospitality of the people of Nepal.

I discuss some of the aspects of Nepal in which I believe implementing Agora Speakers clubs can make a positive contribution.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #160 -NEPAL -Week Four (Surkhet) -3 March 2023

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This week I traveled to the Surkhet area of Nepal and spent the week at the Eager Bridge Secondary School introducing the Agora Speakers Youth programs to some of the students.

The first half of the ride was exciting as I had the same driver, Rabin from the previous fast and furious week. He took me to see the Wall of Death motorcycle/car show at a local fair.

Also, I visited a Hindu/Buddhist temple built in the 12 century that has been restored in 2021 known as Kakrebihar.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD -Where Am I? (Attariya) #159 -24 February 2023

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It was another eventful and exciting week in Nepal.

It started with a 9-hour ‘fast and furious’ car trip sharing the road with dogs, cattle, people, tuk-tuks, tractors pulling trailers, mini-buses of all sizes, large buses and trucks all vying for space.

I had a busy with at Everest Academy in Attariya in western Nepal, very close to the Indian border.

We had a ‘School Show’ inviting neighboring schools to attend and I even visited a Nepali Army base.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #158 -NEPAL-Week Two -17 February 2023

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This week after a ‘bUmPy’ bus ride from Kathmandu to Butwal, I spent a remarkable week at a school.

It is hard to express how enjoyable it was to be in a school dormitory and watch children during the week enjoying their time at school.

Overall, it was an eventful and productive week promoting Agora Speakers Youth programs in this community.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #157 -NEPAL -Week One -11 February 2023

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My first week in Nepal was outstanding.

I visited four schools and shared information about Agora Speakers youth programs with many other schools that have expressed interest in the programs.

I think this might just be the best week of my life so far!

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES OF A NOMAD #155 -Next Step, Nepal! -27 January 2023

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In a few days’ time, I will be on my way to Nepal via Singapore.

As I will have limited availability to the internet, I will likely only be able to respond to emails and upload some videos until I return to Canada in early May.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #153 -An Agorian Week -13 January 2023

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This past week there has been a flurry of activity in Agora Speakers International.

As an Ambassador for Agora Speakers, I attended some meetings and have been in contact with others interested in the organization.

I also have an update about the forthcoming trip to Nepal.

Please reach out to me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #151 -Youth Testimonials -30 December 2022

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Since I have been working with youth groups since 2004, I thought it would be good to get some testimonials from those involved.

I recently sent out a request and have received a few testimonials which I can share.

The plan is to use them to promote other youth to join a youth group.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #132 -AGORACON 2022 -18 August 2022

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The annual convention of Agora Speakers International, AGORACON 2022, is being held now in August.

This convention is being organized and hosted by the youth groups in India

I am excited as it showcases what the younger generation is capable of doing as they are often underestimated.

If you wish to know more about the convention or have comments, questions, or suggestions, please reach out to me.