Discretion · D9 Book Clubs
Save lives. Repair lives. Strengthen communities.
Welcome to the Discretion Book Club Starter Guide. This is more than a reading group — it’s a cultural stewardship practice that brings members together to protect our legacy and move our communities forward.
3 Simple Steps to Begin
Follow these three steps and your Discretion Book Club will be off the ground in no time.
Create Your Group
- ScopeDefine membership boundaries — chapter-only, all local alumni chapters in your area/state, or a cross-Greek 'National Pan-Hellenic' space open to all D9 organizations.
- NamePick a purposeful and fun name that celebrates the identity of your group (e.g. The Crimson & Cream Chronicle, The Charismatic and Courageous Chronicle).
- ToneHazing is heavy, but the book blends fiction, non-fiction, and self-help in an engaging way. Choose a relaxed social vibe or a serious, academic-style discussion.
Define Your Flow
- Size5–10 people is the sweet spot. Big enough that a few absences don't stop the conversation, small enough that everyone speaks. Cap at 12–15 if you want it larger.
- CaptainChoose a club captain (or co-captains) to plan and moderate the group.
- FrequencyOnce a month is the gold standard — 45–90 minutes per meeting — giving people time to read at a comfortable pace.
- Meeting LocationVirtual (Zoom / Google Meet) for busy schedules, or in-person at members' homes, a bookstore, or coffee shop. Hosts can create a signature drink (alcohol optional). Mix the two for variety.
Clarify Your Connections
- Streamline CommunicationPick a medium — text, GroupMe, WhatsApp, Slack — for reminders and discussion questions sent in advance.
- ConsistencyAlways schedule the next date before wrapping the current meeting. Draft a 3-, 6-, or 12-month cadence so members know what they're committing to.
- ExpectationsAddress recording policies for virtual events, create a 'parking lot' for issues that need more time — and most importantly, enjoy the ride.
More Than Reading — Real Recognition
Launching a Discretion Book Club isn’t just about reading — it’s about safer, more connected communities. We honor the leaders who step up with meaningful, escalating rewards.
Tier 01 · Official Club Status
Threshold: 8 Books Purchased
Once your club purchases 8 copies of Discretion, you unlock the following:
Official Club Recognition
Your club is added to the national directory on the Discretion website.
Club Access
Exclusive updates, resources, and invitations sent straight to your club.
Starter Kit
The full Discretion Book Club Starter Guide plus discussion tools.
National Movement Badge
A digital badge for your chapter's social media, website, or newsletter.
How to Activate
Register your club and email your purchase confirmation to kcollins@theharborinstitute.com.
Tier 02 · Captains Council
Quarterly with the Author
All Official Clubs (8+ books) are invited to a quarterly virtual gathering with the author, featuring:
- Live Q&A
- Behind-the-scenes insights
- Tips for facilitating tough conversations
- National updates and spotlights
Captains receive a private link through the Discretion website portal.
Bring the Author to Your Region
A collective threshold model — ensuring travel costs are covered while giving regions clear, achievable goals. Regional progress is tracked publicly on the Discretion website.
Virtual Regional Keynote
150 Books Sold
- Live virtual 15-minute keynote from the author
- Tailored social media message for your chapter, state, or region
In-Person Book Signing + Reading
300 Books Sold
- In-person appearance at your event
- Live reading from Discretion
- Book signing + photo opportunities
- Chapter, state, or region recognition
Full Educational Experience
500 Books Sold
- Full educational experience or fireside chat
- Private 'Leaders Dinner' with the author (host-coordinated menu)
- Chapter, state, or region award for cultural leadership
How thresholds are tracked: All book purchase invoices submitted to kcollins@theharborinstitute.com (ideally through the Discretion website) automatically count toward your chapter, state, or region’s total.
Exclusive Content for Clubs
All Official Clubs gain access to the Members Area:
- Bonus discussion questions
- Facilitator-only videos
- Early access to future Discretion content
- Special invitations to national events
Annual Discretion Impact Awards
Each year we celebrate clubs that embody safety, health, wellbeing, and cultural stewardship. Categories include:
- Club of the Year
- Most Innovative Discussion
- Most Community Engagement
- Chapter / State / Regional Collaboration
Winners are featured on the Discretion website and receive special perks.
Request an Author Visit
Interested in a special visit? Our Director of Marketing, Kobena-Marcus J. Collins, will follow up to explore possibilities based on thresholds and availability.