THE SPARK UNFOLDING BOOK CLUB
FACILITATOR PREPARATION CHECKLIST

BEFORE THE GATHERING
[ ] Read the assigned section and mark one short passage.
[ ] Choose two observation questions and two reflection questions.
[ ] Confirm date, time, time zone, access link, and expected duration.
[ ] Provide the reading range and companion resource in advance.
[ ] Review accessibility needs, captions, readable materials, and participation options.
[ ] Prepare a private way for participants to request assistance.
[ ] Review community agreements and the limits of the gathering.
[ ] Plan an opening, private writing interval, and closing.
[ ] Keep emergency, clinical, legal, and spiritual-care referrals outside the facilitator role unless separately qualified and authorized.

AT THE OPENING
[ ] Welcome participants and state the purpose.
[ ] Explain that sharing is invitational and passing is welcome.
[ ] Name confidentiality expectations and their limits.
[ ] Confirm the ending time.
[ ] Read the selected opening ritual.

DURING THE CONVERSATION
[ ] Begin with the text before personal application.
[ ] Balance participation without forcing equal airtime.
[ ] Welcome silence.
[ ] Ask permission before redirecting or offering interpretation.
[ ] Protect privacy when stories involve people outside the room.
[ ] Interrupt shaming, coercion, diagnosis, or unsafe advice.
[ ] Keep the conversation connected to the book and stated purpose.
[ ] Offer a private writing interval before final sharing.

AT THE CLOSE
[ ] Invite one insight or next movement.
[ ] Read the closing ritual.
[ ] Share the next reading range and gathering details.
[ ] Explain how participants may offer feedback.
[ ] Close at the promised time.

AFTER THE GATHERING
[ ] Record operational notes without copying private participant disclosures.
[ ] Send the next reading range and approved resources.
[ ] Follow the Book Club process for concerns requiring administrator review.
[ ] Adjust pacing, access, or structure based on appropriate feedback.
[ ] Rest before evaluating your own facilitation.

This checklist may be saved, printed, and used for a Book Club gathering with attribution to The Spark Unfolding Book Club.