Page 6 - Peer 2 Peer Learning Start-up kit
P. 6

 First steps
You have an idea, or challenge or an opportunity and you would like peer support to share and develop OR you are a facilitator wanting to get a group underway.
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There are several ways a group can connect:
z someone acting as a connector can recruit and muster the group, managing this process, typically with a facilitator in mind or involved
z producers get together to form their own group—they may or may not have a facilitator in mind
z a facilitator acting as a connector to get the group going and then facilitating.
Why be a connector?
The role of connector has always existed—some rural professionals and farmers naturally see benefits to them and their business to help make farmers aware of opportunities for support. Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) Action Network found that connecting was at the heart of well-formed and purposeful peer-to-peer groups. They also found that connectors may start in the role of a connector but might end up as a facilitator of the peer-to-peer group or contributing to the group as a subject matter expert. The benefit to connectors rests in providing clients with ‘extras’ resulting in a stronger relationship and increased trust.
I started out as a connector with [an accountancy firm] and ended up as a member and facilitator.
Ben Trotter, facilitator of the Our Soils Action group and member of the Bull Beef Finishers Action group.
Connectors looking to set up a peer-to-peer group should cast the net wide. For example, you could advertise that you want to start a group in company newsletters or local papers. Or,
if you know of one or two farmers who are interested, speak to them, and ask them to recruit a few extra people.
 Generating interest /connecting
6 | Peer-to-peer learning start-up kit
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