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1. What is the Gateway program about? I'd like more information about what is covered in the material.

The course covers seven essential themes of the worldview of Conscious Evolution. When combined, these themes outline a "developmental path" for self and social evolution covering the nature of the Universe, Lessons of Evolution, Personal transformation, conscious evolution in Relationships, Community, and Society, and Visions of our collective future. See the Gateway Tour for more information.

2. Is the Gateway designed for people who are new to this topic and worldview, or is it more advanced, for those who have already read a great deal about this subject?

The material is designed to appeal to both newcomers and seasoned explorers alike. It offers a basic framework with many optional resources for deeper study if desired by the participant.

3. I've read Conscious Evolution and/or Emergence. Is the Gateway course about these books?

Many of the themes of these two books are explored in the course, but the Gateway also goes far beyond these books, both in the material it covers and the environment of learning in which it is presented. The opportunity to actively connect with others who are exploring these ideas richly augments the material as well.

4. I want to make a difference in the world, especially with all that's going on these days. Will the Gateway assist me in doing this?

The Gateway provides a broad platform from which to explore personal and social transformation in an evolutionary context. The material has numerous opportunities for self-discovery of how you can best offer your own creative gifts into the world around you.

5. How does this work on the computer?

Do we receive the material through emails? The course is accessed through your web browser on the Internet. You can also download each module for printing and reading offline, but the interactive features require that you have a web connection through your computer. Email is used for general communications regarding the course in general, announcements, etc. You will then discuss the material in your small group.

6. Will you be emailing me a password to access the Gateway course?

Upon registering on the Center website and enrolling in the course you will choose your own username and password. You will receive confirmation of your enrollment through email when you have completed the enrollment process.

7. Do I have to be online at specific times, or do I proceed at my own pace and on my own schedule?

You choose when you participate with the Gateway program online. Your Gateway Guide will help coordinate your progress to assist you in keeping pace with the rest of the group. The only times that a scheduled online event would occur is for group chat sessions, which are optional.

8. How long will it take me to complete the whole program? How much time should I expect to spend each week?

If you follow along with one of our Gateway Schedule Waves, you will complete the course in approx 9 months. You are also welcome to start at any time and move through at your own pace. The average person spends 2-4 hours a week in the Gateway process.

9. Will my access to the Gateway be closed at some point? Do I need to be completed by a specific deadline?

No. The Gateway is always available for you. It is intended as an introduction to a life-long learning process. You can return to the material as often as you like. Also, as new courses are added that augment the basic material in the Gateway you can choose what else you may wish to study in the future.

10. I'm not very computer literate. Will I be able to do what is needed on the computer without difficulty?

Gateway is designed to require a minimal computer skill level. Basic knowledge of Internet access and navigation is mostly what is needed. To get the full experience of the course there are two "plug-ins" which allow for listening to audio clips and viewing animations (RealPlayer and Flash). They are free and simple to install, and most new computers already have them installed.

11. What are the technical requirements for accessing the course online?

Technical Requirements

12. My computer is several years old. Will I need additional software to be able to do the Gateway?

You many need to upgrade your Internet browser (e.g. Netscape or Internet Explorer) and the two plug-ins mentioned above if your computer is older. All are free and available on the Internet.

13. If I can't get audio streaming on my computer, can I still participate in the Gateway?

Yes. Although the audio clips of authors reading their own quotes offer a much more rich experience of the material, it is not required to take the course. Throughout the Gateway Process we offer several kinds of TeleCalls The following answers questions pertaining to these call.

14. How do the TeleCalls work? Are they through the computer? Do I need any special equipment? Do I need to be on my computer at the same time we're on the phone call?

The TeleCalls do not require using the computer. They are by telephone only and are strictly an optional support for live dialogue about the material with others in the course. There is a phone number for accessing the teleconference calls. Charges for long-distance are your responsibility if they apply. Our phone bridge can hold up to 50 people.

The calls are recorded and steamed on the web and can be accessed anytime.
You will need RealAudio to listen to these calls. (See Technical Requirements for link to install.)

15. What are the TeleCalls calls about?

We have 3 kinds of TeleCalls:

1. TeleLectures—Following the Gateway Wave Schedules we offer a series of TeleLecture calls with Barbara Marx Hubbard and Guest facility like; Jean Houston or Duane Elgin. These calls follow the themes of the 7 portals. Recordings are available following the call.

2. TeleCommunity Calls—These calls are offered at a variety of times throughout the month and are a great way to connect with others in the Gateway Community. The themes of these calls vary based on the guide. There is no additional charge for these calls.

3. TeleCourse Calls—From time to time our Faculty, Colleagues or Guides may offer special topic related teleconference calls. These are designed to be an interactive learning experience. See Gateway Calendar or Living School Calendar for listings. Notices will be sent about these special offerings.

16. How do so many people all talk at the same time on one phone call?

Only one person talks at a time. There is a simple etiquette of stating your name and being recognized by the call host before speaking. In this way there is no over-talking or confusion among the participants.

17. How often are the TeleCalls? How long do they last? Are they on a particular day of the week? If I miss some of the calls/ am not able to participate in the calls, is that all right?

The TeleCalls are scheduled throughout the month and we try our best to vary the times to accommodate as many people as possible around the world. Each call lasts for one hour. A schedule of calls is sent by e-mail at the beginning of each month and is listed in the calendar in our Campus Network. Calls are recorded and are available on the bridge line for two weeks after the call and then are steamed on the site. These calls are optional. If you choose not to participate in these calls you will still have a rich experience in the Gateway process.

18. Are there any books I need to purchase for required reading?

No. There are many recommended readings within each module, but they are all optional.

19. Would it be helpful for me to take the Gateway with friends / my spouse/ a group from my church?

Absolutely! Taking the Gateway with at least one other person is strongly encouraged. The course is designed to stimulate a rich inquiry into your personal life, your relationships, your interactions in community, and much more. Having others to share ideas, questions, experiences with greatly augments the personal experience of the course and helps make the material come to life in your daily life.

20. Can I find out if there are other people living in my area who are participating in the Gateway?

Yes. Once you have enrolled you can search the Campus Network for others in your area already in the course. We will be matching you with others in your area or region to form a group for the 9 month process.

21. Will there be a way to connect with other people who are taking the Gateway from around the world? I live in a remote area where it would be difficult to have a Gateway partner, but I'd really like to share my ideas, and hear about the ideas of others.

Yes. You will be placed in a Gateway Phone Group to support you throughout the 9 month process. The TeleCalls are also a great way to interact with others in the community. You will also have an opportunity to learn about others experience of the material in the discovery forums at the end of each section. Links to profiles allow you to send e-mails to people you would like to connect with as well.

22. I'd like to form a group in my own community so we can take the Gateway together. Do you have any suggestions about how to create such a group?

Find a few people who you think might be interested in taking the course with you. Have them visit the EVOLVE website and view the Gateway Tour to see if the ideas of Conscious Evolution align with their values. If you have some interest, set up a meeting to discuss the possibility of creating an evolutionary learning community of two or more to support personal and social transformation.
A printable pdf file is provided below describing how to form a resonant core for this purpose. If you would like to talk with a Gateway Guide to support you to form a group in your area call 805-682-6785 or e-mail gateway@evolve.org.

Printable PDF ‚ Creating an Evolutionary Learning Circle