How to Start a SIG - Revision history

Valerie: Added link to Discourse category

2025-08-26T03:49:08Z

Added link to Discourse category

Valerie: Updated to add links that did not copy from draft

2025-08-26T03:29:31Z

Updated to add links that did not copy from draft

Valerie: Added warning about DirOut approval

2025-08-26T03:23:00Z

Added warning about DirOut approval

Valerie: Added opening paragraph; refined evolve section

2025-08-26T03:07:09Z

Added opening paragraph; refined evolve section

Valerie: Updated process to start and formatting

2025-08-26T03:01:01Z

Updated process to start and formatting

Valerie: Updated note formatting

2025-08-26T02:42:54Z

Updated note formatting

Valerie: Initialize page with draft info

2025-08-26T02:40:08Z

Initialize page with draft info

New page

== Host Expectations ==
Hosting a SIG is a great way to take the lead in the community around a specialized topic. We encourage prospective hosts to attend a SIG before stepping up to run one, so they can get a feel for the format. All new SIGs must be approved by the Director of Outreach before moving forward.

=== General Requirements ===

* Each SIG must have '''one primary host''' responsible for the tasks in these guidelines. The host for an individual SIG meeting should be confirmed by the end of the previous SIG meeting.
** '''Co-hosts''' are encouraged as a support bench, but only one person should lead a meeting at a time.
* Must be an '''active member in good standing''' of the shop area involved, familiar with current policies and safety standards.
* Should '''model and reinforce good cleanup and tool practices''' in line with Asmbly policies where applicable.
* Should '''not offer structured classes''' or 1:1 instruction — hosts should instead facilitate peer sharing.
* '''Collaborate with necessary shop area leads''' for topic planning, scheduling, and oversight.
* No solo decision-making on major topics (e.g., firings, special equipment use).

Note: Hosts must be approved by the Director of Outreach and if applicable relevant Shop Area Lead. Members with recent or ongoing policy violations may not serve as hosts.

=== Communication ===
Consistency and clear communication are essential for maintaining engagement and ensuring successful events. Since SIGs are open to the public, they may be the first experience someone has with Asmbly. Accurate, timely communication helps us put our best foot forward.

===== Communication Channels =====

* '''Discourse is required''' as the official communication platform for all SIGs.
** Each SIG will have its own category under the SIGs section.
** For attendees that prefer email list style communication, share this walk thru here.
** Notifications can also be customized following this walk thru here.
*** SIG Hosts should watch or track their SIGs category to ensure communications from attendees are not missed.

===== Posts Expected of Hosts =====

* '''Announcements:''' Post about each meeting at least one week in advance.
* '''Recaps:''' Share a brief summary after each meeting.

===== Schedule Changes =====

* For planned changes, email [mailto:outreach@asmbly.org '''outreach@asmbly.org'''] '''at least 1 month in advance''' so our marketing team can update social media, newsletters, and other outreach materials.
* For last-minute changes, if a substitute host cannot be found:
** Post an update in the SIG’s Discourse category.
** Tag [https://yo.asmbly.org/g/leadership @leadership] to alert others.

===== Virtual Options & Recordings =====

* If offering a virtual option, it must be hosted through '''Asmbly’s Zoom account'''. Inform the Outreach Team when setting up your SIG if you plan to use this to get support and further information.
* '''Recordings are not required'''. When made, they are kept private to Asmbly leadership, staff, volunteers, and SIG hosts. This helps preserve the informal, conversational nature of SIGs and ensures attendees feel comfortable participating openly.
** Recordings may be used to generate meeting summaries or recaps that are shared publicly.

===== Data Privacy =====

* Hosts must be mindful and respectful of attendee data. This means not sharing contact information, recordings, or personal details outside of approved Asmbly channels, and only using attendee data for the purpose of supporting the SIG.

Note: Anything outside of these guidelines needs to be discussed and approved with both the Outreach Team and all appropriate Shop Area Leads.

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 * '''Discourse is required''' as the official communication platform for all SIGs.
-** Each SIG will have its own category under the SIGs section.
+** Each SIG will have its own category under the [https://yo.asmbly.org/c/sigs/62 SIGs section].
 ** For attendees that prefer email list style communication, share this walk thru [https://yo.asmbly.org/t/help-how-do-i-get-the-mailing-list-setup-in-discourse/66 here].
 ** Notifications can also be customized following this walk thru [https://yo.asmbly.org/t/how-to-stay-in-the-know-on-discourse/14032 here].

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:23, 26 August 2025
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	The Outreach Team will contact you and let you know when your SIG has been approved. Asmbly will then add your SIG to the [https://asmbly.org/events/ event calendar] on our website and [https://wiki.asmbly.org/index.php?title=Special_Interest_Groups this wiki page]. Then our marketing team will start promoting it and you can start sharing it with your network as well!		The Outreach Team will contact you and let you know when your SIG has been approved. Asmbly will then add your SIG to the [https://asmbly.org/events/ event calendar] on our website and [https://wiki.asmbly.org/index.php?title=Special_Interest_Groups this wiki page]. Then our marketing team will start promoting it and you can start sharing it with your network as well!
		+
		+	{{Note\|type=error\|text=⚠️ Reminder: Your SIG must be approved by the Director of Outreach before it will be scheduled. Please do not start promoting until approved.}}
		+

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 == Host Expectations ==
@@ Line 82: / Line 85: @@
-== Feedback & Evolution ==
+== Engage & Evolve ==
-SIGs should be reviewed periodically to ensure they continue to meet community needs, uphold Asmbly standards, and align with shop culture as well as the organization’s mission.
+Keep your SIG dynamic by listening to participants and adapting as it grows. Encourage members to share ideas, showcase projects, and help plan future activities. Regularly check in to ensure the SIG meets community needs, aligns with shop culture, and supports Asmbly’s mission.
-Feedback from attendees, hosts, leadership team, staff, and volunteers will be used to:
+Feedback from attendees, hosts, leadership, staff, and volunteers can help you:
-* Adjust format or structure as needed
+* Fine-tune the format and structure
-* Identify opportunities to better support participation and engagement
+* Find new ways to boost participation and engagement

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 * Each SIG must have '''one primary host''' responsible for the tasks in these guidelines. The host for an individual SIG meeting should be confirmed by the end of the previous SIG meeting.
 ** '''Co-hosts''' are encouraged as a support bench, but only one person should lead a meeting at a time.
-* Must be an '''active member in good standing''' of the shop area involved, familiar with current policies and safety standards.
+* Must be an '''active member in good standing''' of the shop area involved, familiar with current policies and safety standards. This demonstrates your commitment to the community and helps establish trust with attendees.
 * Should '''model and reinforce good cleanup and tool practices''' in line with Asmbly policies where applicable.
 * Should '''not offer structured classes''' or 1:1 instruction — hosts should instead facilitate peer sharing.
@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 {{Note|type=error|text=🛑 Note:  Anything outside of these guidelines needs to be discussed and approved with both the Outreach Team and all appropriate Shop Area Leads.}}

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 * No solo decision-making on major topics (e.g., firings, special equipment use).
 Note:  Hosts must be approved by the Director of Outreach and if applicable relevant Shop Area Lead. Members with recent or ongoing policy violations may not serve as hosts.
 === Communication ===
@@ Line 48: / Line 49: @@
 * Hosts must be mindful and respectful of attendee data. This means not sharing contact information, recordings, or personal details outside of approved Asmbly channels, and only using attendee data for the purpose of supporting the SIG.
 Note:  Anything outside of these guidelines needs to be discussed and approved with both the Outreach Team and all appropriate Shop Area Leads.