✍️ SOAR Writing Circle: Accountability Partner Guide
Motivation. Reflection. Support. Progress.
The Accountability Partner model is designed to help you stay committed to your writing goals this summer. Through mutual support, regular check-ins, and reflective feedback, you and your partner(s) will help each other build momentum and make meaningful progress toward publication.
🎯 Goals of the Partnership
- Motivation and consistency: Stay on track with your writing by checking in with someone who knows your goals.
- Support and encouragement: Offer kind accountability and celebrate each other’s progress.
- Constructive peer feedback: Practice giving and receiving feedback that sharpens clarity and focus without requiring deep disciplinary expertise.
🗓 Meeting Expectations
- You will be assigned 1–2 partners based on writing stage and broad discipline area.
- You are expected to check in with your partner(s) during our twice-weekly Zoom sessions.
- If you miss a session, set a brief alternative meeting time that week (via Zoom, email, or phone) to stay connected.
✅ Partner Etiquette
- Be on time to your scheduled check-ins.
- Listen without interrupting. Ask clarifying questions.
- Offer encouragement as well as critique.
- Be honest, but never harsh—assume positive intent.
- Respect confidentiality and each other’s time.
🧭 Feedback Philosophy
Feedback is not about editing or perfection. It’s about offering a thoughtful, reader-centered response to someone else’s thinking. You don’t need to be in the same field to help someone clarify a thesis or organize an argument.
📝 Types of Feedback
- Outlines and research statements
- Individual sections (e.g., literature review, methods, intro)
- Close reading of a single paragraph
- Response to clarity, coherence, and flow
💡 Weekly Prompts
- What is the author trying to say?
- Where does it feel unclear, rushed, or repetitive?
- What stands out as strong or compelling?
- Where could the paragraph or idea go next?
📊 Tracking Progress
You’ll have access to a shared Google Sheet for your accountability group. Use it to log:
- Weekly writing goals
- Number of minutes/hours written
- Sections completed or shared
- Feedback highlights
- Small wins and writing breakthroughs
We’ll refer to these during Zoom sessions as part of our momentum-building process.
💬 When Things Go Off Track
If your partner is unresponsive or falls behind:
- Reach out gently first—life happens.
- If there’s no response, or if you’re concerned, notify the facilitator.
- Partners may be reassigned to ensure everyone stays supported.
🌱 Building Lasting Connection
Each week, you’ll get optional reflection prompts and conversation starters to help deepen the partnership and build trust. You’re also encouraged to share:
- Writing strategies or tools that work for you
- Notes of encouragement or affirmations
- Article recommendations or journal leads
Some accountability groups continue beyond the summer—this is a chance to build something that lasts.
🏁 Final Notes
By the end of the program, you should have:
- A shared record of goals met and writing completed
- Feedback exchanged on several portions of your article
- A strong draft ready to polish for submission
Most importantly, you’ll have experienced the value of collaborative writing and built habits that can support your scholarship year-round.