Peer Groups

Minnesota Literacy Council VISTA Program

Smaller groups within the cohort (5-7) Established at the beginning of each year

(may have some change in members) Function:

Meet every 1-2 months Rotate between service sites/hosting Plan one social event for the larger group

Volunteer/potluck/free activity/happy hour Purpose:

Ensure member support and an environment to share skills, resources and networks, and build community

What is it?

Get to know the people in your peer group

Exchange contact information Find similarities and differences in your project Determine how you will support each other over

the course of the year Establish your meeting plan

Day/times for group meetings Order of who is hosting Topics to discuss/what you’d like to accomplish at meetings

Overview of tasks: today

Introduction Activity: The story of your name Instead:

Find things your group has in common, and things that are different. These can be likes/dislikes, or work-related. Make notes on flip chart paper & establish your team name/mascot!

Continue the discussion! (work through the packet)

1. Best Group Experiences 2. Create your group

‘ground rules’ 3. Create your peer group

meeting plan Get started!

Getting to know your group

Your group will be responsible for working

together to plan one social event for the larger cohort to attend during

Talk amongst yourselves to choose which quarter/season you’d like to plan your event for! Fall (September, October, November) Winter (December, January, February) Spring (March, April) Summer (May, June, July)

Social Events

Make sure your group has a plan for the first

meeting or for following-up to set the date and time before you leave today

Suggestions: Doodle poll

Wrap Up