Study Circles Training

A local study circle program brings together people who represent the diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds and experiences in a community. To successfully recruit diverse participants and then move to action, a study circle program needs to be sponsored and led by a strong, diverse working group and supported by community partnerships. The following training sessions help communities plan and implement study circles program.

Orientation Meeting – is for communities who have not used study circles or those who want a refresher on what study circles can do for them. The two hour meeting includes an overview of the ASCP and the services we provide, an explanation of study circle discussions and how communities can start one, and time for a mock study circle so community members can get a sense of how study circles actually work.

Organizational Clinic – provides the local coordinator and working group with the tools they need to organize study circles. The coordinator will manage and supervise the study circles program in their community. The working group helps with organization. Members of the working group serve on committees such as logistics, communications, recruitment and action planning. More information about these committees is given at the five-hour Organizational Clinic, which lays the foundation for the program. However, working group members can be added at any time.

Facilitators and Recorders Training – helps facilitators and recorders fulfill their critical roles in establishing the productive, face-to-face dialogue that is the hallmark of study circle discussions. This six-hour training provides facilitators and recorders with information on being neutral, active listening, note taking, challenges they may face, and techniques and skills they will need to lead the study circles discussions. The training also provides time for facilitators and recorders to practice their skills using a discussion guide.

Building collaboration takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the most effective study circles are initiated and sustained by broad-based, community-wide partnerships that keep learning and growing.

Additional resources:

Study circle beliefs, vision and mission
Study circle benefits
Study circle discussion topics and brochures