Sam Waltz’s Vision for “New” International Platform Association, Founded 1831
Every organization must evolve with its time — especially one founded in 1831, when “platforms” like the lyceum and the chautauqua were among the only vehicles for public education and civic dialogue in an age before modern media.
Mr. Waltz sees for the International Platform Association (IPA) a renewed niche that honors its heritage while applying its DNA to the digital age — serving the modern Court of Public Opinion and the global marketplace of ideas, all of it in a modern digital World of International Commerce and Technology.
With nearly sixty years of experience in public affairs and advocacy, he envisions the “new IPA” as a membership-based fellowship of proven voices devoted to improving excellence in the creation, professionalization, and promotion of content and advocacy “for the Public Good” and “in the Public Interest.”
“Like the platform of free discourse, science seeks truth, as we do, not by proclamation but by inquiry — by asking, testing, and proving, so that knowledge may rest on evidence rather than opinion,” says Mr. Waltz. “We expect to navigate ‘the new IPA’ into an evolved Membership organization leading and focused on improved excellence in the creation, professionalization, promotion and distribution of news, information and content, argument and advocacy into the American and global mainstream.
“Keeping in mind my own half-century plus in the Court of Public Opinion, in the arena of ideas and advocacy and competence and competition,” Mr. Waltz said, “then, I envision for the IPA a future that even the Founders of our great country could appreciate, and I describe it this way…
“The Founders of our Republic envisioned a nation where Liberty and the Common Good walked hand in hand — each sustaining the other. Guided by the wisdom of Aristotle’s polis and the Enlightenment’s faith in reasoned discourse, they built a society that protects thought without prescribing it. The International Platform Association inherits that charge: to steward a fellowship of proven voices — experts, advocates, and citizens — who speak freely, think deeply, and serve the Common Good.”
Mission Statement
“Founded in 1831 on the American ideal of free and reasoned discourse, the International Platform Association unites proven voices — thought leaders, subject-matter experts, and advocates — who bring knowledge, integrity, and courage to the public square. Through sponsored membership, professionalization and competence, education, and open dialogue, the Association sustains the Founders’ vision that Liberty and the Common Good walk hand in hand. Its members uphold a simple creed: that truth best serves society when those who know, speak; those who speak, serve; and all who serve, advance the Common Good.”
“Those who subscribe to membership will do so under a banner of ethics that declares: Where credible voices serve Liberty and the Common Good through truth, fellowship, and the fearless exchange of ideas.”
Closing Reflection
“As a lifelong baseball fan, as much as I love the season, and the World Series, my favorite part of the season has been Spring Training — that time of renewal when players refine their craft and mentor new talent. I see the new IPA in much the same way: a Spring Training resource for those who compete daily in the Court of Public Opinion.
Through our membership programs, content, and conferences, we’ll help thought leaders, subject-matter experts, and advocates lift their game to major league levels — building stronger voices, stronger businesses, and a stronger public square.”
“In all these things, the International Platform Association stands where liberty and duty meet — cultivating credible voices for the healing and betterment of the world.”