Providing expertise, training, and support for communities and organizations using study circles to come together and address problems.
Activities
A project of the Paul J. Aicher Foundation, the Study Circles Resource Center (SCRC) helps communities and other organizations to set up study circles that address important problems like race, age, politics, poverty, development, immigration, and other controversial topics. SCRC writes and publishes guides to creating study circles; publishes research and best practices; and shares stories of success. In addition to working with specific communities, the Center partners with major national projects like the Centers for Disease Control (engaging citizens in planning for influenza epidemics) and DemocracyWorks (helping Spanish-speaking groups to address voting challenges).
Relevant Project(s)
SCRC has helped to organize large-scale study circle programs in more than 400 communities across the country by providing training, resources, and advice. Several specific projects include:
- Working with NeighborWorks America to develop and teach courses on using community dialogue in revitalization efforts
- A partnership with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Mix It Up Initiative, which helps young people identify and break down social barriers
Relevant Methodologies
The primary method used and advocated for by the Resource Center is the study circle itself. Study circles consist of 8-12 people meeting together for several 2-3 hour sessions, facilitated by a trained coordinator. According to the organization, successful study circles:
- Are organized by and include a diverse group of people from the community
- Use fair-minded and accessible resource materials
- Use trained facilitators who also represent the community’s diversity; facilitators are impartial and do not teach
- Use a discussion progression that moves from personal stories and understanding points of view, to developing solutions and concrete plans for action
Region
National
More Information
PO Box 203
697 Pomfret St.
Pomfret, CT 06258
860-928-2616 (phone)
860-928-3713 (fax)