@Hope
Name of the program: Discussion Leader/Group Chat Management Course
Aim of the program: As a mentor, I have found that the majority of new listeners do not know how group chats work or are too shy to join in on disucssions. In this course we would train them on how to lead discussions, function in a group setting, and build skills related to being a leader.
Requirements to join: 10 training courses completed, 100+ cheers, 10 chats
Course Syllabus (theoretical): Weeks 1 and 2 would consist of forum articles on basic topics that include creating a response and replying to other students (similar to the CDM program). Weel 3 would be participation based and have the students go into group chat rooms, and join at least 1 discussion. They would fill out their weekly tracking form writing about what they observed and talk about the discussion leader skills they saw. Week 4 would be becoming a discussion leader and co-hosting their first session. Students would continue to host at least 1 discussion per week while learning about basic conflict resolution skills (for group settings), the role of room supporters, chat supporters, and mods, and skills like reflection, validation, and welcoming that are used in disucssions.
This portion will also allow students to pursue more leadership roles in the future, if they are interested. The final weeks will be focused on script writing. Students will submit a topic for review, and once it is approved they can begin writing their script. It will then receive feedback for editing and will be published on the official list of scripts eventually. Then, the student will get a chance to use their script to host a session. To finish the course, there will be a final evaluation.
Practical Component: Getting comfortable in group settings and learning leadership skills. Also practicing active listening in a setting that isn't 1-1.
Additonal Notes: As the current lead of the Teen Discussions Project, I would be happy to assist if this ever became an academy course. I have seen the benefit and excitment that comes with being a discussion leader and it's a shame that so many listeners aren't able to go into other leadership roles in the future because they don't meet the participation requirements (tiny chat/sparkler badges) needed. I think this would be a great course and would expose so many people to a new side of Cups.
Let me know what you think. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!