Buddy Group Best Practices

This program was created to connect artists with a small group to talk about their process, Minted Challenges, give critiques, and have fun. We have created groups based on your survey responses, and we hope you enjoy getting to know some new Minties (or create deeper connections with people you may have already met!) 

We will get you started and provide some guidance along the way, but it’s up to you and your group to make the most out of this program! 

Here are some best practices to get the most out of your Buddy Group experience. 

I’ve received my Buddy Group! Now what?

Kickoff Captains!

Kickoff Captains will be in charge of starting the conversation, helping the group determine their method of communication and first time to meet, and generally breaking the ice. Your Kickoff Captain will send an email to the group to get you all started. Together, you'll want to determine: 

1. What your primary form of communication will be (Slack chat, live call, etc) We will create a private group chat for you all on Slack (instructions on how to join Slack) but if you determine a better method, you're welcome to use it. 
2. When is a consistent time that everyone can meet? We suggest using Doodle to collect availability.
3. What is your Buddy Group name? Here are some ideas if you want somewhere to start
1. Font (Helvetica, Showguide)
2. Color name (Very Peri, October Mist)
3. Art supply brands (Winsor & Newton, Arches)

I want to create a Slack group chat with my Buddy Group, how do I do that?

We'll do this for you, but here's how to do it yourself!

1.  Use the pen and paper icon in your Slack

2. Add your group members, either by name or email, in the “To” bar

3. Start with a message to everyone!

Helpful Slack FAQs on how to send and read messages and direct messages

We do not have access to your Direct Messages, including group chats. The only exception is if we receive reports of harassment or any inappropriate conduct (see Conduct Rules below).

How often should we meet?

Please commit to, at minimum, a total of one hour per month to meet with your group.

Our recommendation is to meet bi-weekly for 30 minutes each time.

What should we talk about in our Buddy Groups?

We welcome you to make this program your own, so you and your Buddy Group should do whatever inspires you!

The AR team will send out a few prompts on the main Buddy Program channel. Make sure to check this Slack channel for any announcements or if you have any general Buddy Program questions. Any questions specific to just you or your group can be sent to [e-mail].

Group organization

• The success of a buddy group depends on each individual's willingness to actively participate. We have heard from successful buddy groups that you will get what you put into the group! 
• Your Kickoff Captain has volunteered to get the group started. Once the group has gotten to know each other, we recommend alternating or sharing group organization duties so the leadership is not on one person for the entire year. How your group does this will be up to you all to determine!
• You do not need to wait for your Kickoff Captain or anyone else to start a conversation. Assume everyone else might be feeling shy but excited to meet each other! Jump in to introduce yourself and get the conversations started. 
• Make sure everyone has a chance to speak, even if they have nothing to say. Going around the circle always helps.
• If you’re not discussing the topics the AR team has posted on the Slack channel, make sure to provide your topic and/or question to the group ahead of time. This allows time to digest the question and save thinking time during your Buddy Group.

Conduct Rules

Our number one priority is that all artists feel safe and welcome to participate in the program. To that end, all participants are required to respect the Conduct Rules:

• Absolutely no harassment will be tolerated. This includes unwelcome and offensive verbal, physical, or digital conduct related to another person’s gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, appearance, physical ability, race, ethnicity, or religion. If you are being harassed or see someone who is, please email [e-mail]
• Be careful with the words that you choose. Sexist, racist, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you. Excessive swearing and offensive jokes are not appropriate.
• Respect confidentiality. Please do not share or distribute confidential information shared by others.
• Avoid aggressively promoting your own services, products, or causes to others unless given permission by the group.
• Be respectful of each other’s time. Do not be disruptive when others are speaking.