Meetings are held during the academic semesters (Sept-Dec & Jan-May). Members meet online every second Thursday at 6:30pm MT/MST via Google Meet. Specific dates are provided upon registration, or upon request.
Membership costs $35 CAD per semester. Payment must be received before membership is confirmed. Payment can be made via PayPal or e-transfer. Further instructions are provided upon registration.
Fall members who wish to rejoin The Wordstapas for the winter semester may re-register for a discounted $25 CAD.
An audit option is available for those who wish to participate in The Wordstapas, but are not able to join the meetings due to timing complications, or other reasons. Auditing members have access to all materials and meeting recordings. Audit membership costs $20 CAD.
Club has a maximum of 15 members. First come, first served.
Additional questions may be addressed on the FAQs page. Contact Nicole with any further inquiries.

Membership Requirements

Members must have read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings prior to joining The Wordstapas.
Members are not required to have read The Silmarillion, but are encouraged to do so, as it provides a deeper understanding of J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination.
Members use the Socratic Dialogue Method to discuss the readings. This is a very simple, ancient approach to discussing literature. Proficiency in this method is not required, but regular verbal engagement in discussion is expected. Read more about the Socratic Method here.
Members must be at least 16 years of age. Exceptions may be considered upon discernment that the member is able to comprehend early literature and engage regularly in discussion.
Members are required to read and agree to the Code of Conduct prior to registering.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct exists to ensure that all members can interact freely and comfortably, knowing the behavioral standards expected of each. Members who fail to comply with the Code of Conduct are required to resign.

Be respectful and courteous toward fellow members in speech, action, and writing and exhibit appropriate language and behavior.
Arrive 5-10 minutes before meetings begin. This allows time to get settled and start on schedule.
Let Nicole know in advance if you will be late or unable to attend a meeting. Meetings can be recorded for the benefit of absent members.
Finish the assigned reading prior to the meeting. It is beneficial to the entire fellowship when every member is aware of the topic at hand.
Regarding cameras: Google Meet allows participants to use their computer camera. Turning the camera on is not required, but is encouraged as it increases the fellowship of the group.
Do not share fellow members’ email addresses or personal information with anyone without their permission. Members are welcome to share their own email address with each other, with the intention of keeping in touch outside meetings.

Nicole reserves the right to change or modify any of these details without notice.