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What are Co-op Groups?
Co-op Groups are ‘circles’ of attendees who meet regularly over the course of the conference for productive and inspiring dialogue. Each group will have 15-20 participants and will be facilitated by two trained participants.
How will these groups be formed?
As participants register for the conference they will be randomly assigned to a Co-op Group.
When do they meet throughout the conference?
Co-op Groups will have three 2-hour sessions over the course of the conference. They will meet once on Friday and twice on Saturday.
Will there be Co-op Groups specifically for Campus Staff and Year of Service members?
Campus staff members will be placed in a Co-op Group of other campus staff members and Year of Service (i.e. Americorps*VISTA, NCCC) members will be placed in a Co-op Group with other Year of Service members. However, campus staff and Year of Service members may request to be placed in Co-op Group with students.
Will there be Co-op Groups specifically for Nonprofit Professionals?
Nonprofit Professionals may request to be placed in a Co-op Group with either campus staff or students.
What are the goals of these meetings?
By the end of the weekend, participants should feel that they have gotten to know their fellow co-op group members. To facilitate this, each session will include time for the sharing of biographical information through ‘ice-breakers’ and guiding questions.
Participants should also leave each session with a greater understanding of their role in implementing Action Without Borders’ vision of a world where…
all people can lead free and dignified lives.
every person who wants to help another has the ability to do so.
and no opportunities for action or collaboration are missed or wasted.
Each of the Co-op Group sessions will focus on a broad theme that mirrors the overall vision of Action Without Borders:
During the Imagine session, we hope participants will…
identify and articulate aspects of their vision for a better world
identify the connections between their vision and the vision of others in the group
foster a sense that the realization of their vision depends upon others realizing their own
During the Connect session, we hope participants will…
identify the value in building a network
recognize that they are part of a larger movement
During the Act session, we hope participants will…
identify tools and skills that they will need to further their vision (i.e. action planning models, organizing tools available through Idealist.org, etc)
describe the support structures that they will need to maintain momentum
How will these groups interact after the conference?
These groups will be encouraged to create individual profiles and will form ‘idealist groups’ on the site after the conference.
What is the role of the facilitator?
The role of the facilitator is to foster a space for shared learning within each Co-op Group before, during and after the conference where individuals feel that they will be heard, supported and respectfully challenged. We're looking for a diverse group of dynamic facilitators for the Co-op Groups. If you think you'd like to take on this challenge, please apply to be a facilitator.
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