1. Organizing Study Circles

2. A study circle is... Group of 8-12 people Meet on a regular basis
Address critical public issues democratically
Emerge with ideas for community action

3. Progression of study circles
Personal
"How does this affect me?"
Broader perspective
"What do others think?"
Action
"What can we do?" 3

4. Why organize study circles?
People talk about their experiences
Difficult issues discussed respectfully
People become part of a larger effort
Empowers community residents 4

5. Before you start... Share the burden Clarify intent Talk!
Solicit volunteers to help you in your efforts.
Clarify intent
Make it clear that your support group will respect all backgrounds.
Talk!
Make sure people understand this project will help solve problems. 5

6. Getting started 6

7. Development Put together a core team Hold a pilot study circle
Contact other groups
Hold another pilot with members of different groups 7

8. The working group Should serve the spearhead the initiative
Use them to start the following tasks:
Plan the kickoff
Train facilitators
Recruit circle members
Plan the action forum 8

9. Maintenance Hold a kickoff meeting Support the circles
Hold the action forum
Keep the momentum
Pause and reflect 9

10. The facilitator's role Stay neutral Be prepared Let group respond
Make sure one person doesn't dominate
Draw out quiet ones
Keep discussions on track
Allow for silence
Don't try for consensus
When in doubt, ask 10