Workshop Information

March 6–8, 2022

This workshop will coincide with the NEA Big Read Lakeshore’s spring author event, and is designed to have a two-fold experience:

• An opportunity to have a first hand, personal experience and in-depth look into Hope College’s NEA Big Read Lakeshore program
• An opportunity to learn, explore, share and provide feedback on and ideas for literature-based programming

Participants in the workshop will participate in Hope College’s NEA Big Read Lakeshore program by attending two events, being in a book discussion together, and receiving insight into the program through various session topics and speakers, including Hope College faculty and students as well as area K–12 teachers, librarians, church leaders and non-profits directors. Session topics include:

• Big Read history
• Partnerships
• Book selection
• Scope and reach
• Scholarship and research

The workshop will also provide participants with opportunity to discuss and explore issues and topics related to the leading and organizing of literature-based programming. Session topics include:

• Exploring faith-based approaches to the teaching and discussing of literature
• Articulating five alignments between higher education institutional mission and literature-based program goals and activities
• Exploring how literature-based programs might draw on the rich values and resources within the Christian tradition (e.g. faith, hope, love, justice, hospitality, grace, redemption) in their events and activities
• Brainstorming suggested strategies for fostering discussions around a book that connect people across demographic divides (using the topics and themes of book as a springboard to listen and learn from each other)
• Exploring ways to create effective community partnerships around literature-based programming
• Exploring rationales behind book or author choices
• Exploring effective marketing strategies for promoting literature-based programs on campuses and in the community
• Exploring possible research and scholarship collaborations around faith and literature and literature-based programming