In the initial stage of operation, NDI established a separate Study Circle team and upgraded its communication systems to improve the Institute’s capacity to contact donors, partner NGOs, and internal staff. Internet facilities, computers and necessary materials and supplies were procured to equip its Dhaka office and at the same time partners also established office system and worked out modalities to communicate with NDI. The Study Circle team also assisted the partner NGOs in recruiting staff, provided orientation/training on the conceptual aspect of Study Circle program, management, implementation, accounting system and exchanged ideas with senior and mid-level officials to build their organizational and management capacity.

The NDI Study Circle team researched and developed materials and resources to be used by the partner NGOs, associate partner NGOs and citizens participating in the program. The Institute developed a Study Circle discussion guidebook, a new four-color brochure, an Action Manual, a newsletter and guides for facilitators and organizers in order to disseminate information on the program activities to interested NGOs, civil society, Study Circle members, the media and the general public.