Reset Reading Group: Frequently Asked Questions

Got some questions about the Reset Reading Group (RRG)? You might find the answers here. For an initial introduction see Welcome to the Reset Reading Group.

How do I register? And what does registering mean?

If you haven’t already please fill in the form on the Welcome page. This will subscribe you to the Reset Reading Group email list so you’ll receive the fortnightly readings. The form will also prompt you to define how you wish to participate.

How can I participate?

• Be part of a self-organised group (either a new group you form with friends, family and colleagues or an existing group that chooses to follow the RRG program)
• Join a new group organised by RRG (sorry these groups are now all full!)
• Join as an individual and engage as much as you like in the discussion via the main Facebook group

How do I set up my own group?

That’s really up to you – that’s why it’s self-organised! But here’s some things you might like to consider.

For starters have a think about who you would like to have involved and why you and they will benefit from being in a group together. Then invite them!

Please note that it’s up to you to maintain your own list of contacts for your group, there are too many self-organised groups for us to track them all and connect people with you, and we’re not gathering that kind of information via registration. Make sure you get people’s email addresses and any other contact details (eg phone or Facebook) that will allow you to organise.

If you are starting a group based on a workplace or shared interest communicate how you see RRG connecting with that. For example ‘We’ve talked about how climate justice is a key principle for our organisation. This program will give us a chance to dig deeper.’ If you’re starting a group in your friendship, household, or family networks let people know what’s involved and why you want them to be part of it eg ‘We always have great conversations about how the world should be – this will prompt us to do it regularly!’

It’s up to you how many people you involve. 6-8 people can make for a rich discussion and mean that if people can’t make every session you’ll probably still have 4-6 people together. If your group is getting larger than say 10 people you may like to split into two groups.

Figure out when you’ll meet – a Doodle (or similar poll) could be helpful. Also decide how you’ll meet. If you’re not a household that probably means online or phone based meeting. You may like to have your own smaller Facebook group, email list, Google Doc with shared notes, WhatsApp group etc.

Get each person to register by filling in the form on the Welcome page and indicating ‘I’ll be part of a self-organised group’. This will ensure all your group members receive the emails of readings. Everyone is welcome in the Facebook group too.

How do groups organised via RRG work?

These 13 groups are now all full. Sorry if you missed out!

Excellent people have volunteered to facilitate these groups, make sure you appreciate them! Zoom meetings for these groups will be centrally scheduled at the defined time and day once a fortnight. You’ll be sent the details of how to join your Zoom meeting in the lead up.

It’s exciting to see how many people are joining RRG across the country and will meet new people through the discussions. As everyone is likely to be new to each other make sure there’s plenty of time for introductions and getting to know each other (eg where you’re based, the work/volunteering/activism you’re involved in, what interests you in being part of RRG etc). A strength of these groups will be the diversity amongst participants so celebrate that and use it to inform the discussion.

How can I find a group?

In the Facebook group look for the ‘Queries About Groups’ thread. This is a place to see if there’s a group you can join, or other folks with similar availability as you who would like to link up. Please check there first and if you have no luck contact a Commons Librarian via the Contact Form (selecting Reset Reading Group).

How will we meet?

If you’re joining or facilitating a new group organised by RRG your discussion will be booked on Zoom. If you haven’t got Zoom go ahead and download it. You can also join Zoom calls by telephone.

If you’re new to Zoom these tutorial videos may be helpful.

If you’re facilitating or keen to help out with the tech side of things you may like to familiarise yourself with ACF’s Zoom Host Guide. Their meetings are different from RRG discussions but it’s still a very helpful resource.

How long will we meet for?

We suggest 90 minutes (except for the initial check-in session which we suggest be 45-60 minutes). 90 minutes will give you time to get the discussion rolling but hopefully won’t induce that exhaustion that can go with long online meetings. The topics are juicy and you may decide you’d like to meet for longer (if so have a little intermission to stretch!) Check in as a group about your availability and preferences.

Suggested agendas will be provided for each session.

What’s the program and timeframe?

RRG organised groups will schedule an initial check-in session the week starting 27 April and book in Zoom meetings for a fortnight after that and ongoing. For example, if you sign up for the Tuesday 6pm group you will have an initial check-in with your group (up to 60 minutes) on Tuesday 28 April, then discuss the first theme on Tuesday 12 May, and every fortnight after that with the final discussion on Tuesday 21 July.

We encourage self-organised groups to use the same program but it’s up to you. If it takes you longer to gather your group just kick off when you can.

What about attendance and pace?

Things go best if everyone can make it to each session and attend for the whole time. This allows for focused discussion (without people coming and going) and gives you the opportunity to build relationships and deepen discussion throughout the program. That’s how it works in an ideal world… but the world sure isn’t ideal yet! So engage as best you can.

If you find you need more time to consider the readings it’s fine to participate as an individual and go at your own pace. You may be in a pre-existing book group that meets monthly and that’s fine. All of the materials will be on the Commons ongoing, so take 6 months if you like!

What’s the facilitator’s role?

A facilitator’s job is to help the group get where it wants to go. In the context of the RRG that means supporting the group to have a fruitful conversation that engages with the materials. Here’s some things to pay attention to:

• Gathering the group: At the start of a session, it’s important to help people transition from whatever else they may have been doing just before the call to being present for discussion. In traditional bookclubs and study groups some of that happens while people turn up to each other’s houses or a meeting room, get a cuppa together or put out the wine and cheese. Online there’s often a bit of an awkward time while everyone is getting on the call. This can be a good time to get people familiar with the Zoom chat or using a Google Doc to share reflections, comments or questions.
• Building the group: Make space for getting to know each other. We’ll include some opening rounds and activities in the suggested agendas for each theme. The more rapport between participants the greater potential for discussion to go deeper.
• Keeping things on track: Focus the discussion on the fortnight’s theme and be mindful of time.
• Modelling and encouraging healthy participation: Ensure respectful dialogue and aim for fairly shared discussion time.
• Making space for difference: Value all contributions, respect different perspectives and encourage people to hear each other.

The facilitator isn’t the only person who is responsible for all these things! The group will go best when everyone involved takes responsibility. Rotating the facilitator role can help with sharing the load. We suggest the main facilitator at least facilitate the initial check-in session and the first two theme discussions to set the tone and develop the group’s norms.

We encourage the facilitator to recruit helpers from within the group: for example someone who is familiar with the tech side of things, a timekeeper, or a note taker if the group decides that’s useful.

This collection of Reset Reading Group agenda plans is updated for each theme.

Some resources you may find helpful:

• Facilitating for gender balance
• Getting started with online facilitation
• Online meeting guides to get you through Covid-19

What about accessibility issues?

We acknowledge that people may experience barriers to participating in the main ways we’ve set up: the Facebook group and Zoom meetings. Barriers may relate to technology and internet access, learning styles, disabilities, the pressures of work and caring, or other factors we haven’t anticipated. Please get in touch if there’s something you would like to request from the organisers or feedback you’d like to offer. We also encourage you to set up what works for you and others in your networks and let us know. We’ll include an accessibility check-in in the agenda for the first meeting so groups can talk through issues and options.

What if I’m overseas?

There are no borders on this project! Most participants are in Australia and some of the readings will be specific to that context but you’re welcome to engage wherever you are. The timeslots for groups may not work for you though – perhaps focus discussion with people in your household, self-organise an online group with others in your community, or engage in the Facebook discussion.

Other questions?

If you have other questions message the Commons Librarians via the Contact Form, selecting Reset Reading Group.