Benefits for Participants:

• Study circle participants have the opportunity to develop their own views and to connect their experiences to public issues. This gives participants an opportunity to “take ownership” on an issue – an important first step in initiating or reinvigorating participation in pubic life.
• Participants explore not just their own beliefs but the beliefs that others hold. They learn that they can disagree without being disagreeable or feeling threatened.
• Participants form new friendships and new community connections. “I never knew anyone on the other side of town – now I have FRIENDS there” said one participant.
• Participants learn that they are not alone in wanting to address an issue and often find allies for their work. Even when they decide to take individual action, they know they are part of something bigger than themselves and that they can make a difference.