Having fun at the Lomography Workshop with Kimon Kaketsis. (Kimon Kaketsis)

OK, I want to do this! What do I do?

1. Reach out to a few friends: Brainstorm about what your goals are and what you want to achieve. Make a list of things you want to learn and approach people you know who can teach those skills.

2. Spread the word: Pick a catchy name, design a logo, take advantage of social media, and reach out to people in your community. Get creative, be infectious, and believe in your project—soon others will, too.

3. Organize an event: Make sure your first event provides knowledge or skills that people want. The workshop could take on any number of forms, but it’s important to actively listen to the needs of the collective at all stages. Start strong. Advertise.

4. If you build it, they will come: After a few months, you’ll have people asking you when they can teach! Before you know it, you’ll have more events than you have time for.

What happens at a workshop?

Our general outline is:
1. Introduction: 5-10 minutes to meet and greet, go over our plans, and introduce our teacher.

2. Workshop: The more interactive the better. Try to avoid “watch and follow along” style learning and stick with a 15-20 minute presentation followed by practice.

3. Ask questions and get talking: It’s great if you can do a little one-on-one or Q&A time with your teacher. Mingle with your friends and try out the stuff you learned.
Most importantly, enjoy yourselves. Bartering is a great way to learn but it’s also a chance to have fun while doing it.

Learn more about The LRMC on our website, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook! Contact us if you're in the Toronto area and want to attend an event, or live anywhere and want to write for our blog.

Laura Shaw is a co-founder of The LRMC. She owns two cats and writes for Oshawhat Magazine and reviews for Shameless. Reach out to Laura on her Twitter.