Locally, whose idea
was it to implement the
Next Chapter Book Club?
I am always looking for ways to further the Opportunities, Inc., mission and enrich our clients' lives. I was recently looking for a new book for myself and came across a book club reading list, which prompted the thought of a book club for our clients. Why not? Several of our residents are avid readers. Out of curiosity, I began researching the concept. I came across the Next Chapter Book Club, a nonprofit organization committed to providing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to read, learn, and make friends in a relaxed, community setting. Opportunities, Inc., will operate our program as a Next Chapter Book Club Affiliate.
How many participants do you anticipate having and what sort of interest have Opportunities residents/clients shown in the book club? With two to eight members in the club and two volunteer facilitators, are you anticipating having more than one book club locally?
As a Next Chapter Book Club Affiliate, we can have up to 5 separate clubs with 4-8 members in each club. Two trained facilitators must be present at all book club meetings. So far, eight residents have indicated an interest in the book club. Due to program closures resulting from COVID and the weather, we have not presented the idea to our community clients but look forward to doing that soon.
Can you tell me about some of the books that will be chosen for this awesome venture or how that selection process will be made? Or, if the books have not been chosen, how will the selection process go?
Much like members of any other book club, the book selection will be member-led. Suggestions will be made by the facilitators based on the interests and hobbies of the members. The Affiliate Portal offers a list of book recommendations tried and tested with other clubs and includes high interest/low readability books. For example, Lucky Dogs, Lost Hats, and Dating Don'ts: Hi-Lo Stories About Real Life, by Thomas C. Fish, Ph.D. and Jillian Ober, M.A., CRC, was written specifically for Next Chapter Book Club and is a collection of Hi-Lo (high interest-low reading level) short stories for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The length of each story is perfect for a one-hour book club meeting. Many classics and other popular fiction titles have adapted versions available, including simplified language, large print, and visuals.
What sort of
attributes/qualities
are you looking
for in volunteers?
The facilitators can be volunteers or paid staff from Opportunities, Inc. Facilitators devote one hour each week guiding the actual meetings. The facilitators do not need to be skilled reading teachers. Instead, they can come from all walks and stages of life, including college students, family members of individuals with disabilities, and retirees looking for an opportunity to make a difference. They will guide the members in making book selections and guide activities in weekly book club meetings. All facilitators receive online training, which includes a demonstration of a book club meeting, so they will be comfortable and effective in guiding a book club for individuals with various reading levels and abilities. The primary function of the facilitators is to promote social connectedness and community inclusion for book club members.
How did you
learn about/train
for this opportunity
and why is it important to you
and the community?
I learned about Next Chapter Book Club while researching the concept of a book club for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I participated in the required Affiliate Training. I plan to also be a facilitator, so I will complete the necessary facilitator training, as well. Next Chapter Book Club discourages isolation and encourages member engagement our community. Weekly book club meetings offer an opportunity to go out to share, have fun, and have conversations with friends in a welcoming and familiar environment. Members gain confidence in ordering at Starbucks, making small talk with the bookstore staff and other customers, and practicing handling money and making change for their orders. The mission of Opportunities, Inc., is to empower individuals in attaining a full life in the community. Next Chapter Book Club supports our mission.
How often will
the book club(s) meet?
Book clubs meet weekly for one hour in such places as bookstores, coffee shops and libraries.
Anything else you
would like to add?
Next Chapter Book Club is not a traditional reading class or tutoring program. Although members may improve literacy skills, the focus is on reading-to-learn, not learning-to-read. Equally essential elements of the program are social interaction and community inclusion. The goal is for members to interact more frequently and in new ways with reading materials, with each other, and with their community.