Thinking Box is a process that simply anyone can take part in. This page will provide some indication of the typical types of settings we thing will be most common.
Probably the five most common types of Thinking Box group will be:
Home, Workplace, Schools and Colleges and Public or Community.
Private Groups
We expect that many Thinking Box groups will take place within existing communities
Home based
As Thinking Box is analogous to a book group we expect many TB groups will be hosted by people in their own homes. Simply gather a few friends and have a stimulating evening discussing the videos. Costs are virtually zero and they are easy organise and run.
It is advisable to only invite people you know and trust when hosting a group in you own home. We do not advocate inviting strangers or have only met online.
Workplace
A workplace group run at either at a lunchtime or before/after work can be another relatively easy way to run a TB group. Many workplaces would have the necessary equipment to hand and you are likely to be able to easily advertise and invite prospective interested guests. Workplace groups can also provide a great way of facilitating inter-company relations, you can meet up and get to know people you might not ordinarily speak to day to day.
Schools and Colleges
Similar to a workplace group a Thinking Box within a school, college or university should be relatively easy to set up and run. A Thinking Box is open to everyone and so you are likely to attract people beyond those who who you meet day to day. Greater exposure to a wider range of views may even help you with your own learning programme, whatever that might be. The potential to engage some of the brightest minds young and old is exciting.
Public groups
Community Thinking Box
Public groups hold one particular advantage over all private groups in that they have unlimited potential for diversity of guests as simply anyone can attend. Your reach goes out much further into the community and you provide a means for anyone to join and connect with others. The testimonials we have already received illustrate the value this has for many. People like to meet new people and develop new connections and friends.
The community group does require a bit more planning but much less than for what is normal for a typical community group. No need to arrange speakers – simply download our latest programme. You will need to source a venue and the necessary equipment which may mean you have to charge a small fee to cover these costs. Guests seem more than willing to pay a small entrance fee. You may even be able to host a private session in a local cafe or bookstore in exchange for a bit of extended business for the host.
We use the popular group networking platform Meetup.com to advertise sessions and manage group membership, it provides all the required functions to grow and flourish.
