How to Get Started Coordinating
A lawyer may lead a group on Supreme Court decisions or on the history of jazz; an English teacher might lead a group on The Tempest or on global warming. Some Study Groups have explored concepts, like Luck, or places, like the Underground, through multiple lenses. Others are planned and coordinated by 2 or more members who work together on a subject or theme.
Coordinating is by far the most rewarding aspect of joining LP2 and all members should want to take advantage of the experience. Need inspiration? Read In Their Own Words which contains member recollections about their own positive experiences coordinating.
Curriculum Committee Support for Coordinators
Some members feel they are not prepared to lead a discussion. One of the most important features of peer learning is that coordinators frequently simply ask the questions and the members respond — less like teaching and more like stimulating discussion. The Curriculum Committee workshops help coordinators prepare for leading discussions. First time coordinators can pair with an experienced member either as a consultant from the Curriculum Committee or as a co-coordinator. Both first-timers and experienced coordinators benefit from the many resources offered by the Curriculum Committee:
The Coordinator’s Handbook
The Coordinator’s Handbook is a guide to every aspect of coordinating. It covers Peer Learning, with a new focus on Peer Learning in a Zoom Environment, Operational Matters, Study Group Sessions, General Information, Preparing for Successful Discussion, Conducting the Session and the LP2 Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.
A Dedicated Committee Mentor
A Curriculum Committee contact person is assigned to every potential coordinator to help with developing ideas, finding a co-coordinator (if desired), writing a proposal, creating an engaging syllabus, selecting visual aids and obtaining technical help, if needed.
Coordinator Workshops
Workshops are offered every semester to support coordinators every step of the way, from how to propose a study group to how to lead a great discussion.
| Basic Workshops | Tech Workshops |
| Lets Get Started Developing a Proposal How’s It Going? Art and Science of Discussion New Coordinators Workshop | Zoom for Coordinators Best Practices for Zoom Zoom Sharing for Coordinators Zoom Breakout Room Google Slides Basics Power Point Basics Films and Videos |
Research Resources
All members have access to the Mina Rees Graduate Center Library and its online resources. Ready access to it, as well as to a number of other important online resources, and the best used book source online to assist members with research into scholarly articles, images, books, databases and other materials are available at our Library and Online Research page.
Honoraria for Study Group Guest Speakers
Many Coordinators take advantage of the funding available to invite outside guest speakers to present at a study group. Each 12-week study group may have up to two paid guest speakers and each six-week study group may have one paid guest speaker. Guest speakers may be offered honoraria of up to $200. Unpaid guest speakers are, of course, not limited. The Honorarium Request Form explains the policy and the process.
