> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://handbook.hackalong.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://handbook.hackalong.io/patterns/crew-formation-patterns.md).

# Crew Formation

[**CC-BY-SA**](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/) **credit Richard Bartlett @ TheHum.org**

A **Crew** is a small group up to about 8 people growing trust in each other through emotional & economic reciprocity. Crews are always designed for intimacy, and may also produce an output (e.g. a software product or an activist campaign).

How is Crew formed? We're not sure. Richard suggests the best way to meet your Crew-mates is in a Congregation: a larger gathering of people with some shared values and medium-high trust. 

The following is a collection of patterns for people to support each other in small peer-to-peer mutual aid groups:

* **Pods**: personal-and-professional development in small groups, a new practice in development at Enspiral. Comprehensive [resources here](http://handbook.enspiral.com/guides/pods.html). (For more on this: listen to the [recording of the Crews/Pods session at Enspiral Summer Retreat 2019](https://www.microsolidarity.cc/discussing/enspiral-summer-retreat-feb-2019); and [this update 6 months later](https://anchor.fm/Microsolidarity/episodes/Nati-and-john-talking-about-pods-at-Enspiral-e9giqj).)
* [Case Clinic](https://www.presencing.org/resource/tools/case-clinic-desc) is a peer-coaching method from Theory U. It has a practical output (helping someone with a challenge they're currently facing), and it tends to produce a lot of insight and interpersonal bonding. It's an excellent place to start, you can get a long way in one meeting.
* [Feelz Circle](http://emotionalanarchism.com/how-to-form-a-radical-feelz-circle/): 3 processes for sharing emotional care between friends/ comrades/ lovers.
* The [Circle of Trust](http://www.couragerenewal.org/approach/) approach from Parker Palmer and the Center for Courage and Renewal. Includes some guidance for cultivating a safe space for vulnerable conversations, plus great descriptions of why this is valuable.
* [Pods and Pod Mapping](https://batjc.wordpress.com/pods-and-pod-mapping-worksheet/) by Mia Mingus for the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective. In this context, your pod is "the people that you would call on if violence, harm or abuse happened to you; or the people that you would call on if you wanted support in taking accountability for violence, harm or abuse that you’ve done"
* [Metagame Mastermind](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDWuHsyznf4?t=753): a kind of stoic crew. 3 people, 3 week sprints, 3 commitments (one life practice (e.g. meditate daily), one renouncement (e.g. no sugar), one gift to the world).
*  [Action Circles](https://www.bethechangeearthalliance.org/action_circles) ( by Be The Change Earth Alliance)support people who want to change their life to be more ecologically sustainable. They have a comprehensive [best practice guide](https://www.bethechangeearthalliance.org/circle_guide) for convening these circles, including sample agendas, facilitation and communication tips,  etc.
*  [Faerie Rings](https://hackmd.io/0iNeYQ9wR3qqerxjvfKnhg) (by the [Scuttlebutt](http://scuttlebutt.nz) software community) 

  Documentation currently focusses on how to do matchmaking to form crews within a congregation. Faerie Rings are mostly "get to know you" spaces for people who are participating in a big distributed project, but don't have many opportunities to connect face to face.
* [The Elephants](https://medium.com/things-ive-written/the-elephants-182870501589) long term personal development for Crews, focussed on goal-setting and accountability.
* [Working Out Loud](https://workingoutloud.com/en/circle-guides): a guided 12-week process for peer support in small groups, suitable for workplaces: *what am I trying to do? who is related to that goal? how can I contribute to them to deepen our relationship?*
* [Stewardship](https://loomio.coop/stewarding.html) peer support system for Partnerships.
* [How to give feedback in a small peer group](https://qualityswdev.com/2017/01/22/how-to-give-and-receive-feedback-in-an-agile-organization/). Written by Manuel Küblböck for a professional context, but the principles apply transcontextually.
* [How to host an Empathy Circle](http://cultureofempathy.com/Community/Handouts/How-To-Empathic-Listening.htm) - a simple group process to strengthen your empathy muscles.
* [Working Out Loud support circles](https://workingoutloud.com/en/circle-guides)