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Connecting With Each Other

FAQ

Winter Incubator Cohorts

Let’s give ourselves space to reflect and chat without overloading each other with messages.

This year we’re connecting with small groups of 2-6 people called cohorts. Learn more below!

What is a cohort, and how does it work?

Cohorts create space for you to process your winter reflections without drowning in a billion group chat messages.

Each cohort will be a small pod of 2 to 6 people where you can connect, reflect, and share stories. Members who are just joining us for the first year will get more facilitated support, while returning alumni will have more control over self-scheduling and coordinating with each other.

We’ll divide active members into cohorts based on your communication preferences, whether it’s weekly Zoom sessions, text chat, Marco Polo discussion groups, or a mix.

All members get access to the same Winter Incubator material and discussion guides. The cohorts just make it easier to share reflections, swap stories, and stay on track without trying to fit everyone into one giant Zoom room or an overwhelmingly large group chat.

How are cohorts assigned?

You’ll be matched with others based on your availability and communication preferences — text chat, Marco Polo, video calls, live Zooms, or a mix.

To be placed in a group that fits your needs, make sure to fill out the Winter Launch Survey the week before we launch, so I can place you with the right mix of people.

If you skip the survey, I’ll assume you’re happy wherever you land. Filling it out just gives you more control.

How often should our cohort meet or check in?

Most cohorts connect once or twice a week, but you’re encouraged to flex and change based on group and individual needs.

Each cohort will work at a pace that works for each other. Some weeks, you may really want to dig into a particular topic and find solace in connecting more often. Other weeks, you might be in survival mode and need to slow down. That’s okay. Let’s make this about showing up to hold space for each other, not hustling to keep up.

Do we have to meet live? What if our schedules don’t line up?

Live sessions are optional. If you really want to connect in real time, tell us in the Winter Launch Survey so we can place you with cohort members who enjoy connecting this way.

You can also connect asynchronously (like posting voice notes, text messages, or shared journal reflections). There’s no one right way to show up.

When you select 'live hangouts' in the Winter Launch Survey, I’ll help your cohort use a shared scheduler to find times that work for everyone. If that fails, we can move you to another cohort, or your group can pivot to a chat group or email connection as needed.

What if my cohort isn’t clicking or someone ghosts?

Especially during the winter, members get sick or overwhelmed with unforeseen chaos. We never take this personally. This is part of pacing ourselves to the season.

If your cohort fizzles, stops meeting, or you realize you need to connect in a way that doesn’t jibe, just reach out to Ashia. We’ll either help you reconnect with another group or find alternate ways to engage so you’re not drifting alone.

(If you have to step back, no shame! Just let your group know you’re stepping back so we know you didn’t get eaten by a grue.)

Do we all cover the same material, or do we choose our own focus?

All cohorts have access to the same Winter Incubator Chapter material, but how (or whether) you use it is up to you.

Think of each chapter as a conversation starter, not homework. If your group dives deep into one chapter or detours into current personal or political challenges, wonderful! That’s what this space is for.

You’re not missing out by going off-script. Every member is invited back next year, and the Winter Incubator material is designed to be revisited each year anyway.

How do we stay connected to the larger collective while in smaller groups?

Alongside your cohort connections, Ashia hosts weekly drop-in Zoom tea time open to everyone.

You can also keep in touch in the discussion comments at the end of each chapter page, which are monitored weekly.

Want to host your own group-wide hangout or creative session? Go for it! Visit the Live Gatherings page to reserve a time in our Virtual Common Room, or drop-in 24/7 to see if anyone is hanging out in the open coworking space.

What’s my responsibility to my fellow cohort members?

Show up as best you can. Listen, reflect, and share your stories. Your cohort helps you stay on track and focused. We're here to motivate you to keep showing up - not just for each other, but also for yourself.

If you’re in a live-gathering cohort, I’ll provide the Zoom link and help coordinate the first date - after that, it’s up to you and your group to manage your own schedules, reschedules, and cancellations.

Your only real “homework” is to be open and willing to listen — and to give yourself permission to show up without trying to perform perfection.

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