How we can help
SCRC Program Director Gloria Mengual conducting a study circles orientation in Casa Grande, Ariz.
When communities call us, we help them assess the local situation and determine an approach to problem solving that will work for them.
If a community decides to use study circles, we provide general advice by phone and email. Step-by-step organizing advice is available on our web site.
We invest additional staff time and field assistance in a small number of communities with innovative approaches to problem solving, strong, diverse, leadership and a committment to institutional and policy change.
Learn more about what it takes to organize a study circles program
"In the many years of participating in group dynamics exercises and community organizational meetings, I have never encountered such a professional and practical demonstration as well as excellent participatory training program."
--Suran Rosenthal of Morris County Human Relations Commission (N.J.) on SCRC's study circle organizing training
What can study circles do for my community?
When people talk productively with each other and find ways to work together to solve public problems, the results can be powerful.
Direct change happens when people gain new understanding of an issue, and form new relationships – across the barriers of race, background, political ideology, income, and geography. Individuals or small-groups commit to action. Some people take their new ideas and approaches back to their organizations, and sow the seeds of institutional change.
Sometimes, people launch new community projects or collaborations. Or, they decide to join efforts already under way in the community. When government is part of the organizing, and elected officials take part in the study circles, this paves the way for more effective policy making and collaborative work.
Some ideas for change that are generated in study circles are more complex and take longer to develop. These include changes such as new policies, new decisions, changes in the allocation of resources, and new processes for involving the public in solving problems.
Read stories of study circles helping communities achieve real change