The Australian Study Circles Network Pty Ltd (ASCN) is a central resource for those who want to learn about or organise a community wide study circle program or a Dialogue to Change (D2C) program in Australia.
The Australian Study Circles Network assists and works with individuals, organisations and communities wishing to establish a Dialogue to Change program in Australia.
This site is a central resource for connecting individuals, organisations and communities that are establishing a community wide study circle program in Australia.
|
 |
Study circles are a community dialogue process that help people explore complex issues, make decisions and take action. During study circles, people come together to have dialogue on an issue. It is a community driven process that begins with community organising and is followed by facilitated, small group dialogue that leads to change. Study circles don't advocate a particular solution. Instead, they welcome many points of view around a shared concern.
In a Dialogue to Change program a single study circle is a small, diverse group of 5 to 8 participants who meet for 2 hours weekly for 4 weeks (a 'round of study circles'), to address a critical public issue in a democratic and collaborative way. Led by a neutral facilitator, people consider an issue from many points of view while the discussion progresses from personal experiences, to sessions that examine many points of view on the issue, to a session that considers strategies for action and change.
Following the round of study circles is a faciliated Action Forum - a community event designed to tie together the work of the individual circles, and help participants move to individual and collective action. At the forum, groups can share their ideas for action, and participants can join or create action efforts.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The ASCN and the D2C program both adhere to the internationally recognised and endorsed Seven Core Principles of dialogue and deliberation:
Careful Planning and Preparation
Inclusion and Democratic Diversity
Collaboration and Shared Purpose
Openess and Learning
Transparency and Trust
Impact and Action
Sustained Engagement and Participatory Culture
| |
|
 |
|
 |
The Australian Study Circles Network is a member organisation of:
Australian Study Circles Network links:
|
Contributions and enquiries to:
Mark Brophy mark.brophy@studycircles.net.au
Australian Study Circles Network Ptd Ltd
ACN 139 605 468
Site updated 8 March, 2010
|
|
