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Study Circles are small collaborative groups who agree to meet to discuss political or social issues relating to their community. The aim of a program of Study Circles is to facilitate community-building through public dialogue and to involve people in networking and development their community. The reasons why Study Circles tend to be a success is because they transform the estrangement and powerlessness that foster a 'them and us' dichotomy within communities, and instead empower people to voice their concerns and create practical solutions. The key principle of Study Circles is that anyone in the community is invited to participate. This develops cohesiveness, while also embracing diversity. Decision making based on a variety of perspectives is likely to be more constructive as the whole picture is more accurately represented.
First, a working group is formed to develop a program and find participants. Then, someone is chosen to facilitate discussion and the Study Circles begin. Afterwards, groups can plan and take action on the issue under discussion. By concerned individuals gathering together to address the issue and build a coalition, new networks develop within the community, which increases collaboration between large and small players. Discussion of the issue fosters increased ownership and understanding which leads people to want to do something about it. The Study Circle process provides the knowledge, tools and support to carry out a plan of action.
"New approaches to solving community problems emerge as people better understand that their personal concerns cut across the entire community: How do we encourage our young people? How do we make sure that people can get decent jobs? How can we stem crime and violence?
New relationships among individuals, among organizations, and between the public and community institutions strengthen the connections that give a community both strength and vitality. When a wide range of community institutions works together to create the study circle program, the study circles lead to new collaboration among community sectors.
The study circles often result in action steps that include everything from new playgrounds, increased volunteerism in current programs, to new large-scale programs designed to address community problems." Study Circles do not simply facilitate discussion. They are also vehicles for social change. Through assessing complex issues by exploring many different viewpoints; identifying values and beliefs that underlie opinions; and identifying basic needs shared by community members, individuals develop ownership of the problem and valuable insights into the broader considerations. This very often leads to grassroots-based actions and structures that create change in the community
"The study circle is a well-tested, practical, and effective method for ... learning and social change. In Springfield, MA, interracial teams of study circle participants traveled to South Carolina to help rebuild a church that had been burned. Over a period of several months, team members and local citizens held study circles on race relations while they rebuilt the church.
In Portland, ME, high school students, parents, and educators who took part in study circles have worked with local businesses and community members to create an array of new non-credit courses at S. Portland High School....
Over 90 study circle participants met with U.S Congressman Albert R. Wynn...to discuss how to improve education in Prince George's County.... At a subsequent action forum, study circle participants formed action committees on parental involvement, communications, and church / business involvement in the schools. After their study circles, people in Lima, Ohio, got together to help Daily Bread Soup Kitchen expand its operation and add tutoring and recreational activities."
*(All quotations are from the Study Circles Resource Center materials)
Contact CRC to talk about starting a Study Circle in your area.
URL: http://www.igc.org/crc/staff.html