Dear Postgraduate Caucus (and everyone else),

The ECR "Shut Up and Write" group has been loosely affiliated with ADSA for many years, carving out structured writing time, and building connections among scholars in our discipline and region. At the ADSA Conference in Kaurna Country (2023), there was discussion about supporting a Postgraduate version of this, which we are starting up this year!

The format of "Shut Up and Write" is simple and supportive of your work. There is a 120-minute session facilitated by a rotating host from the ECR group, consisting of four 20-minute writing blocks, each followed by 10 minutes of informal conversation. Many of us work in "isolation", either as one of the only Postgraduates in your institution, or perhaps you're working remotely in a different part of your country. Either way, "Shut Up and Write" will give you dedicated writing time, and a chance to connect with your cohort across Te Tai-o-Rēhua (Tasman Sea). 

Some of you may already have a similar group, but these sessions are also a great chance to speak about your mahi (work), and the conversations revolve around post-PhD research, teaching, and the transition out of sessional work. In creating a separate space for postgraduate researchers allows discussion to centre on the specific challenges and experiences of doctoral study, we can uplift and help each other build the future of our discipline. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi (With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive). 

Please join us on Fridays (via Zoom), if you're able to do so. These sessions will be held weekly, beginning this Friday 20th March (9am AWST, 10.30 ACST, 11am AEST, 11.30 ACDT, 12pm AEDT, 1pm NZST, 2pm NZDT). The link is here  (https://uqz.zoom.us/j/88311231874)

If you have any questions, please email Abbie, Bridget, or David. We hope to see you there!