In June 2024, one of the Money & ME trainers shared that it was challenging for participants to complete all six sessions of the Money & ME program. She asked me if there was an online version that participants could access so they could do it on their own schedule and from home as transportation is an issue. I really struggled with the concept, because I felt that the value of participants learning and processing in a group setting would disappear. The curriculum is designed for participants to process each concept three times:
Individually by doing a worksheet
Small group discussion
Large group discussion
I took several days to think about this request. I felt that the benefit of group interaction and discussion would be lost if participants were doing it by themselves. If I made a video, I wanted a group so discussions could be part of the training and similar to a real event. This would enable people watching at home to hear others process and to learn from other people. I wanted the video to feel “real.” If I were to proceed, I would need to find participants willing to be videotaped, set up video, venue to do a workshop, record, edit, and create an online classroom. The task seemed daunting. I came to the realization that something is better than nothing. I decided to go for it!
I thought if I could work with a group of people and videotape their discussion, then at least a person listening at home could “feel” part of a group. This trainer who had originally asked me about creating online videos reached out to participants that had missed various sessions. She found a few that were willing to be videotaped. I was able to use the hobby room in the assisted living center where my mom lives. I borrowed an “owl” video camera to record. (Owl cameras have become very beneficial for people having in person and online meetings at the same time.)
We videotaped last month, and my mom, one of her friends, and my daughter participated. I am pleased to say that I have the videos, and I am now in the process of editing. Hopefully by October, I will have an online Google classroom. Trainers can get the code from me to allow participants to catch up on ANY missed sessions. I am excited to get feedback to see if it is beneficial and if it will help expand the program. Stay tuned for the unveiling of this new development of the Money & ME Program!
Would you like to earn a FREE Money & ME Workbook & Kit? Write and share a story about your Money & ME program! You can focus on how you structure your program, a participant success story, the perspective from the trainer….your choice. Please share how Money & Me is helping people gain control over their money and their lives.
