How do I get started?
Getting started, next steps, how do I start a course?, course start
Starting a discussion group is simple:
Explore the NWEI discussion course summaries and choose a discussion course that you would like to begin.
Click here for our Course Organizer's Guide to help you get started
Intro to Course from Northwest Earth Institute on Vimeo
*To order discussion guides, please order online here, call NWEI at 503 227 2807 or email contact@nwei.org with your order. You can also download an order form and mail or fax it to NWEI.
You can begin an NWEI discussion course anywhere. Just take the following steps:
1) Contact NWEI at 503.227.2807 or email contact@nwei.org and connect with a member of the Outreach Team. NWEI will provide you with information on how to organize a discussion group and can take your order over the phone. You may choose to order course books to preview and have on hand during your planning process. Find out if a Sister Earth Institute or regional contact is near you.
2) Form a group of 8 to 12 to take the course, or form more than one group. The Outreach staff can help you with ideas for organizing a group in your home, through your organization, workplace, center of faith, or any community space. Download course flyers to share with others or have an electronic version of the course flyer emailed to you by NWEI staff. Please have all course participants register with NWEI.
3) Share information about the course with your group at an optional preliminary meeting or introductory presentation. The preliminary meeting can be a great place to determine who would like to take the course.
4) Order the discussion course books from NWEI or a partner organization. Please order online here, or contact NWEI at (503) 227-2807 to order your discussion course books over the phone, or email contact@nwei.org. You can also download an order form and mail or fax your order to NWEI. Once you’re in contact with NWEI or a partner organization, you will receive step by step instructions on how to get started. For step by step instructions on starting a course, download a Course Organizer's Guide.
5) First Session: As the organizer, you will be a participant as well as the "mentor" for the first session. In locations near an Earth Institute or regional course coordinator, a trained volunteer may be available to attend the first session to introduce the course. Guidelines are included in each course book, and tips for starting and conducting your course are included in the Course Organizer Guide referenced above.
6) Watch Instructional Video: The folowing video is a useful tool for course organizers who want to understand the facilitation process. Organizers do not facilitate all sessions. NWEI courses encourage leadership and participation for everyone who takes a course.
Facilitating an NWEI Discussion Course from Northwest Earth Institute on Vimeo.
