Peer Learning Networks

These are groups of 50-100 people interested in learning, sharing information, and supporting each other around a common theme. Participants interact by sending and receiving email postings through a members-only listserv. The conversation may include asking questions, sharing resources and expertise, collaborative problem solving, and discussions of real-life situations. The moderator plays an active role in starting discussion topics and encouraging participation.

How is this different from a general listserv, like CLAS-talk? On a Peer Learning Network, a select group of participants focus their interaction on a single topic for a specific time period. They agree to be active regular contributors, and they create depth by sharing their professional experiences: both every-day challenges, and small and large successes. Most importantly, they aim to build community by committing to support each other through honest and helpful responses to the questions that get raised.

With the moderator, you decide the best way to learn. Besides regular discussion, you may choose to have:

• Online discussion forums featuring guest experts and recommended readings or resource materials
• Webinar presentations
• Participation of outside experts

Network topics:

You can sign-up for one of our three Peer Learning Networks, by clicking on the topic link:

• Collecting and using patient data to improve care for diverse populations
• Cultural Competence Training: Selection, implementation, and integration of cultural competence training for health care organization staff.
• Communicating with Diverse Populations: How to use translated materials, health literacy techniques and other media to address patient language barriers.

How the networks function:

Initial organizing discussions will focus on what themes and issues the group would like to tackle over the year, what experts (if any) they’d like to hear from, what activities they would like to engage in, and what they hope to accomplish through this process. Working from the general theme and the issues raised by participants in their applications, a list of topics will be presented to the group. Participants may choose to vote on the topics they would like to address, or they can decide to address issues as they come up in discussion.

Each participant commits to participating in the dialogue and the activities of the network; sharing information and resources; and contributing stories, challenges, successes or case studies from their professional experience.

How to participate:

Network members are selected through a simple application process, and commit to participate in the network activities over the course of a year (or a period of time defined by the group). Participants will be selected according to the following criteria:

• Your current professional involvement in the topic
• Willingness to commit to regular participation in the discussion

To apply, click on the topic links above. Links will be live when the application process is open for each group.