Study circle handout

What are they? Who needs them? What can they do for YOU? How do they work?
Small groups of five to twenty people, talking, listening, and sharing their thoughts on a topic of mutual interest. Each person is heard, acknowledged, involved, challenged and connected. The aim is not to win arguments but to share ideas in an amicable, non-threatening atmosphere. Anyone who believes we must talk together to constructively address the issues we face. Busy adults who want to get involved but can only make a short term time commitment. Help you develop good listening skills, speaking skills and well thought out opinions; skills everyone needs in order to participate effectively in our rapidly changing society. An organizer selects or develops the study material, recruits participants, arranges the meetings and selects a facilitator. He/she moderates the discussion, encouraging full participation while keeping on the topic. The participants listen carefully and speak thoughtfully, reflecting their own experience and values. The group learns from the shared wisdom of ordinary people.

"We are wiser than we know." - Ralph Waldo Emerson


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