EARTH INSTITUTE DISCUSSION COURSES COURSE LOGISTICS
The local affiliate of the Network of Earth Institutes offers seven discussion courses for groups that meet in homes, workplaces, schools, and centers of faith:
Courses run for either eight or nine weeks (the Global Warming course runs for 4 weeks). Participants meet at members' homes, the workplace, or centers of faith. The optimal class size is between 8-12 students. Groups usually meet once a week, for about an hour. Each person has a copy of the course book. There is no cost for the course itself, although we do charge for the course books.
The book is divided into 8 or 9 sessions, similar to chapters. Each session is divided into three of four short readings, about 45 minutes worth of reading. Each person reads the week's material and the group meets to discuss it. The course books are about 100 pages long and contain everything needed for the course, including introductory materials, suggestions for further reading and practical applications for each session.
The class session has two parts, an Opening and the Discussion. The Opening may be independent of the week's topic. Participants take turns presenting the Opening. The Opening is used as a transition from the day's activities to the awaiting discussion and to allow the other course participants to get to know you better . The Opening often consists of a poem, personal story, music or a moment of reflection and should be no longer than five minutes.
The Discussion is facilitated for the first class by a volunteer mentor who has taken the course. The remaining Discussions are facilitated by course participants on a rotating schedule. The Discussion often begins with a circle question to get everyone thinking about topic and to give everyone in the group an opportunity to share their opinions. After the circle question the discussion may lead itself or questions included with the reading can help to spark conversation.
The last session of every course is a potluck or some sort of celebration to reflect on what has been learned. A volunteer will attend to describe follow up programs if the group decides to continue.
STEPS TO GET STARTED
- Call to schedule a time for an introductory presentation. Reserve a space for the presentation, usually an evening gathering at home or center of faith, or a brown bag lunch at work.
- After the date and location are set, invite others to the meeting. A minimum group size is eight. A personal invitation is often the most successful approach. You are encouraged to invite co-workers, friends, neighbors, and people from nearby workplaces. A sample flyer will be provided at your request.
- At the introductory meeting, a representative will describe the course and explain how it works. Everyone who wants to participate will sign up. The date for the first session is set based on the time availability of participants. If more than 14 people are interested, a second class will form. Each class will have its own coordinator.
If you are interested in starting an Earth Institute course, please contact:
Simply Living
P.O. Box 82273
Columbus, OH 43202
614/447-0296 or e-mail us!
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