The JALC Employee Book Club is a yearlong opportunity for employees to connect, reflect, and grow together through shared dialogue.
Current Book
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
- Audience: All JALC employees (faculty & staff)
- Format: In-person and/or hybrid
- Time Commitment: 1 hour per month (Feb–Dec 2026)
Purpose: Foster continuous learning, connection, and leadership growth, focusing on collaboration, trust, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.
Program Goals
- Strengthen relationships across departments through meaningful discussions.
- Promote a growth mindset and long-term leadership thinking aligned with JALC values.
- Reflect on how “infinite mindset” principles apply to daily work and student engagement.
- Provide an inclusive, low-barrier professional development opportunity for all employees.
Register for the Book Club
Pre-Assessment Form
As part of the 2026 JALC Employee Book Club, Human Resources is seeking volunteer Small Group Facilitators to help guide monthly discussion sessions centered on The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. Facilitators play a key role in creating meaningful dialogue, strengthening cross-campus relationships, and supporting a culture of continuous learning at John A. Logan College.
Volunteer to Facilitate a Small Group
How to Get the Book (Library + Other Options)
Print copies: Limited copies available in the John A. Logan Library
Audiobook: Options available via library e-audio platforms.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL): Request a copy if library copies are unavailable.
Check-out steps (Library):
- Visit or email the JALC Library front desk to check out the book (ID required for a library card).
- Borrow for up to 3 weeks (renewals available by email, phone, or in person).
- If copies are checked out, request via ILL or explore audiobook options.
Library Contact:
Phone: (618) 985-2828 Ext. 8338
Email: library@jalc.edu
Outcomes & Assessment
Participants will complete a pre- and post-assessment to help measure growth and impact.
Anticipated outcomes include:
- Increased interdepartmental engagement
- Shared language around leadership, purpose, and collaboration
Want to Help Lead a Small Group?
We’re seeking employees willing to serve as Small Group Facilitators for monthly sessions. A facilitation guide will be provided, and no prior experience is required.
Become a Small Group Facilitator
Lead Conversations. Build Community. Inspire an Infinite Mindset.
As part of the 2026 JALC Employee Book Club, Human Resources is seeking volunteer Small Group Facilitators to help guide monthly discussion sessions centered on The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek.
Facilitators play a key role in creating meaningful dialogue, strengthening cross-campus relationships, and supporting a culture of continuous learning at John A. Logan College.
What Does a Small Group Facilitator Do?
Small Group Facilitators help create a welcoming, engaging space for conversation. You do not need prior facilitation or leadership experience, just a willingness to support your colleagues and encourage participation.
Facilitator responsibilities include:
- Guiding one 1-hour discussion per month (February–December 2026)
- Encouraging inclusive, respectful conversation
- Using provided discussion prompts and activities
- Keeping sessions on time and focused
- Helping connect book concepts to real JALC experiences
Sessions may be held in-person or hybrid, depending on group needs and facilitator preference.
Why Volunteer as a Facilitator?
Serving as a facilitator is a meaningful way to:
- Build relationships across departments
- Strengthen leadership and communication skills
- Support campus culture and employee engagement
- Contribute to professional development at JALC
- Practice “infinite mindset” leadership in action
This is a supportive, low-pressure role designed to grow confidence not test expertise.
Support & Training Provided
We want you to feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Facilitators will receive:
- A comprehensive Facilitation Guide
- Monthly discussion prompts and optional activities
- A consistent meeting format and sample scripts
- Ongoing support from HR – Professional Development & Organizational Culture staff
No prior facilitation experience required.
Who Can Facilitate?
All JALC faculty and staff are encouraged to volunteer. Whether you facilitate one month or multiple sessions, your participation makes a difference.
Ready to Get Involved?
If you’re interested in serving as a Small Group Facilitator, please complete the interest form by:
Deadline: TBD
Volunteer to Facilitate a Small Group
Small Group Facilitator FAQs
Do I need prior facilitation or leadership experience?
No. Prior facilitation or leadership experience is not required. A detailed Facilitation Guide, discussion prompts, and ongoing support will be provided. The role is designed to be approachable and supportive for all employees.
What is the time commitment?
Facilitators lead one 1-hour session per month during the months they are available (February–December 2026). Preparation time is minimal and typically involves reviewing the discussion guide in advance.
Do I have to facilitate every month?
No. Facilitators may indicate which months they are available. You may facilitate one session, several sessions, or more depending on your interest and availability.
Will sessions be in-person or virtual?
Sessions may be in-person, hybrid, or flexible, depending on facilitator preference and participant needs. We aim to make participation accessible for all employees.
How many people will be in my small group?
Small groups typically include 6–10 participants, allowing for meaningful conversation while remaining manageable for facilitators.
What support will I receive?
Facilitators receive:
- A comprehensive Facilitation Guide
- Monthly discussion prompts and optional activities
- Sample opening and closing scripts
- A standard meeting agenda
- Ongoing support from Professional Development & Organizational Culture Staff
What if I feel nervous about leading a discussion?
That’s completely normal and expected. Facilitators are there to guide conversation, not lecture or be experts. The structure and prompts are designed to help conversations flow naturally.
Will I be evaluated or graded?
No. This is a supportive professional development experience, not a performance evaluation. Feedback is used only to improve the program and celebrate learning.
What if my group goes off topic or runs out of things to say?
The Facilitation Guide includes strategies for redirecting conversation, re-engaging participants, and using optional activities if discussion slows. There is flexibility built into every session.
Can I co-facilitate with someone else?
Yes, co-facilitation may be an option depending on interest and scheduling. This can be a great way to build confidence and share leadership.
Is this role considered professional development?
Yes. Serving as a facilitator supports leadership growth, communication skills, and cross-departmental collaboration aligned with JALC’s mission of enriching lives through learning and community engagement.
How do I sign up to be a facilitator?
Complete the 2026 JALC Employee Book Club – Small Group Facilitator Interest Form. HR will follow up with next steps and additional details.
Who can I contact with questions?
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Human Resources – Professional Development & Organizational Culture
Cordy Love, M.S. Ed.
Policies & FAQs
FAQs
Who can join?
All JALC employees (faculty and staff) are welcome.
When does it run?
February–December 2026, meeting for 1 hour per month.
Is it in-person or virtual?
Sessions will be offered in-person and/or hybrid to support accessibility.
Do I need my own copy of the book?
No—limited print copies, audiobook options, ILL, and an online PDF option are listed in program materials.
How do I check out a library copy?
Visit/email the library; ID required for a library card; 3-week checkout with renewals available.
How do I volunteer to facilitate?
Complete the facilitator interest form; facilitators help guide discussion and support a welcoming environment.
Participation Notes
Library copy availability can change; ILL/audiobook options are recommended if copies are checked out.
This is a professional development / culture-building opportunity for employees.
Participation is encouraged; employees may join discussions as their schedules allow (hybrid options may be available).