Study Circles

Since October 1996, the county has conducted small group discussions known as "Study Circles." A study circle is a group of 5-20 people who meet for a series of five sessions, each session lasting 2 hours each. During the dialogue, complex issues are broken down into manageable subdivisions, and controversial topics are dealt with in depth. This process of successive sessions allows group members to build trust, breakdown defensive barriers and engage in open and honest dialogue.

Study circles enable individuals to disagree without being disagreeable or feeling threatened, and to explore others' beliefs and perceptions as well as their own. The last session of every study circle is devoted to examining what the participants can do to improve human relations in their own communities. Although action is encouraged, it is not essential for a successful study circle. However, individual change and group mobilization often result from insight gained through the open dialogue. A deepened understanding of ourselves and others is the goal.

Within the study circle, there are three roles:

• The Facilitators
• The Organizers
• The Participants

The facilitators are neutral discussion leaders. They keep the participants on task, elicit a range of views, and ensure that the atmosphere is conducive to dialogue rather than debate. Organizers choose facilitators, decide which discussion material will be used, help recruit participants, and arrange the logistics of the meetings. Participants own the discussion. Their commitment and interest are essential for a study circle's success. Their clear understanding of both their role and the facilitator's role help create a collaborative environment.

Along with the study circles, OCR also provides discussion materials on youth issues, violence and education. This model of dialogue is suitable to a variety of organizations.

Churches, civic associations, businesses, community centers and schools have all utilized the Study Circle model to help their members consider vital issues. The strength of the study circle is its flexibility. Every group is unique; organizers are encouraged to adapt the basic format and discussion material to the needs of their particular organization or community. Prince George's County, like most places in the world, is an increasingly diverse community. While it is not necessary that everyone love, or even like his neighbor, it is necessary that we are able to work and communicate with each other as we move towards an age of diversity. Study circles is one approach to making the journey a little easier. C'est meilleur ensemble! (It's better together).