What is a Study Circle?

A Study Circle is small-group democracy at work. Community participants from all walks of life agree to attend a number of Study Circle sessions that focuses on an issue of common concern. The Study Circle is a peer-led discussion of 8-12 participants; each participant has an equal voice. An impartial facilitator, who is not necessarily an expert on the issue, leads the group. A discussion guide is used to keep the discussion on track. The facilitator poses questions to stimulate the discussion and to keep the group focused on the issue. The Study Circle is held in a spontaneous and friendly environment.

Why a Study Circle?

A method- that allows people from all spheres of life to express their opinions democratically and without fear of intimidation

A platform- that allows participants to broaden their knowledge of an issue by hearing first hand the personal experiences and viewpoints of others in the community

An opportunity- for a diverse group of people to get together and address a common concern and articulate problem-solving strategies

A forum- where members of society can discuss issues and work together by reducing the existing gaps and can lead to community action and positive change

A medium- that offers the opportunity to gain knowledge and helps democracy to flourish

How a Study Circle works

• Identifies a problem within the community

• Brings community people together through the Study Circle

• Organizes citizens to address the problems through discussion

• Moves the community to take collective action that can lead to positive change

Characteristics of a Study Circle Discussion

• Each circle contains 8-12 participants

• Session conducted by a neutral facilitator

• 2-5 sessions, each session lasting 2 hours

• Dialogue and discussion, not debate, is the basis of the Study Circle

• Discussion based on personal experience and knowledge

• Consensus on each issue is not necessary

• Friendly and spontaneous environment

• Personal opinion is given importance

• Everyone has an equal opportunity to speak

• Discussion manual on particular issue used in the session