1. Minnesota Literacy Council VISTA Program

2.   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?

3.   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

4.   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

5.   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

6.   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