How to Implement a Collaborative Program
While there certainly could be a book on how to start and run a collaborative network, this section focuses on getting student groups involved. This outlines the basic steps of building up this relationship, as well as some advice on how to make your group more appealing to students.
The first, and most important thing to remember while you're developing a collaborative network or relationship with students, is that you must treat them as peers. They may be younger than you; they may have less experience; they may not know as much about freethought - BUT - they are not children (especially in their own eyes), and they will resent being treated as such. These individuals are the future of the freethought movement; keep them engaged and involved by treating them with respect.
Encourage the students to take an active role by inviting the leader(s) to speak at your meeting. Invite the entire student group to attend an event, talk or discussion that your group is hosting. Volunteer your time by helping with an event or participating in a community service program that the student group is planning. Continue communicating and participating in one another's events until you have established a strong relationship. Maintain that relationship! No campus group near you? Then help start one!
The first, and most important thing to remember while you're developing a collaborative network or relationship with students, is that you must treat them as peers. They may be younger than you; they may have less experience; they may not know as much about freethought - BUT - they are not children (especially in their own eyes), and they will resent being treated as such. These individuals are the future of the freethought movement; keep them engaged and involved by treating them with respect.
- Investigate your area to see if there is already a network or other collaborative effort in the area. It is easier to join an existing group than create one from scratch!
- Contact the SSA to find out if there is a campus freethought group nearby.
- Designate one or two individuals to be in charge of the collaborative effort. If you are planning a large-scale effort, you might want to have one or two people specifically dedicated to working with the campus group(s).
- Contact local group leaders and let them know what you are interested in doing. Remember that students may be more receptive to emails or online contact than more traditional forms of communication. You might want to be prepared to explain any goals, activities, and methods you have in mind.
- Ask if you can attend a campus meeting.
- Set up a time to meet with the group's leaders before or after the meeting to discuss a collaborative effort.
- See if you can make a short presentation about your group (or network) at the meeting
Submitted by Lyz on Fri, 01/23/2009 - 12:14
