GG Semester 1

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Semester 1

All groups study the Grace Group curriculum the first semester.
Use these Get-to-know-you questions (GTKYQ) the first few weeks of meeting. This helps participants join the group by hearing their own voice out loud and sharing details about their life.
Week 1: Get to know each other by using the questions above. Consider providing snacks and drinks this first week. Read Group Guidelines together. Read the Check-in document together.
Week 2: Practice doing a Check-in together. Answer a few GTKYQs again and walk through how to use the curriculum together.
Week 3: Ask 1-2 GTKYQs. Practice doing a Check-in. Do Lesson 1 in the curriculum.
Weeks 4-5: Continue to do 1-2 GTKYQs and a Check-in. Continue lessons 2-3.
Week 6: Start with a Check-in. Briefly ask group members "how are we doing"? This is intended to see how group members are feeling about the weekly meetings - Check-in, curriculum, balanced sharing, etc. Read through the guidelines and commitments again, if needed. Based on their responses, make adjustments to the group, as needed. Lesson 4.
Week 7: Plan a social gathering.
Week 8: Start with a Check-in. Lesson 5.
Week 9: Start with a Check-in. Lesson 6.
Week 10: Start with a Check-in. Learn how to do a Heart Check.
Week 11: Plan a social to celebrate ending the curriculum

**Use this weekly plan as a guide - doesn't have to be exact timing for your group.

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As the leader, you are to be the model and connector. Share with vulnerability and connect participants to each other, not just to you.
Remember that group members may be thinking, "Do I belong in this group?" and "What is expected of me in this group?".
Welcome everyone and listen well to their responses.
Share group guidelines often, especially at the beginning of the semester. Be more curious than certain about your new group members. Study your group members and get to know them.
Schedule 1-2 social times during this first semester to build connection.
Try your best to schedule one-on-one time with each of your group members throughout the year