Friends Council Support for Peer Network Groups

Peer Networks are self-organizing groups of educators across Friends schools who meet to share ideas, offer support to each other, and work together toward their common goals, especially around facets of their work that are related to working in a Quaker institution. These national groups exist as a result of palpable energy, spirit, and leadership from the faculty and administrators within the Friends schools who keep such networks strong.

Friends Council encourages these connections, and can support Peer Network gatherings through facilitating communication of information (via web and electronic mail) about these events to our member schools.

1. choose a point person/clerk
2. Choose a date, in consultation with Friends Council, by April 1 for the following academic year.
3. Decide on the details of the program, to fit within program budget provided by the Council, including
• Start/end times
• Details of the agenda:
1. Theme
2. Keynote speaker?
3. Workshops/discussions led by participants?

• Send out electronic:

1. Call for agenda items design and mail invitations
2. Send via email and web Meeting announcement and agenda

• Track registration
• Book rooms and arrange for meals for events held at Friends Center, Philadelphia (some Peer Network gatherings are hosted by Friends schools)
• Consult regarding scheduling date to avoid conflicts with other events. The Friends Council calendar is set by April 1 for events during the following academic year.

Planning is led by the planning team and can happen through e-mail, phone, or face-to-face meetings. The point person for the planning team facilitates the planning process.

Many Peer Networks exist. Some Peer Networks are totally self-sufficient, while others use Friends Council support in distributing information and publicizing their events. Peer Networking groups (that we are aware of) include: US religion teachers, LS/MS religion teachers, Friends Environmental Educators Network (FEEN), heads of Friends schools, service learning coordinators, professional development peer network, and division directors.

For more information, contact Sarah Sweeney-Denham, Associate Director for Programs and Publications, Friends Council on Education: Sarah@friendscouncil.org.

(July, 2006)