About Me

I'm not a doomer, but I admit I am a bit worried about things, in particular about the peak oil predicament. As a professional engineer I'm pretty good with numbers, and I strive to view the forest more clearly than the trees. In other words, I tend to be interested in getting a grasp of the 'big picture'.

My extra-curricular interests probably reveal something about me as well. For instance, I've taken part in some straw bale building projects, I've been involved with an emerging cohousing group, and I have volunteered on organic farms (on my vacation). I guess you could say there's a certain greenish hue glowing among my true colours.

What prompted me to start this study circle? Well, I've been involved with a local simplicity circle for the past couple of years and I've enjoyed the format so much that it got me researching about launching a similar format to try to engage people in my neighbourhood and community. My motivation? I'm hoping to find a way to get more people around me thinking, talking and learning to listen to others about major issues that affect our lives, such as the issue of our economy and what can we do about it.

I have a side interest in something called Open Space Technology. I won’t get into the details here, but I will note the first two principles of OST philosophy that I feel should be relevant for this study circle as well:

• Whoever comes are the right people
• Whatever happens is the only thing that could have
  

I'll consider this study circle session a bit of a pilot project and we'll see what happens with it! Folks with a range of opinions are welcome.

What is expected of participants? – Making the most of your study circle

In a study circle, how you talk with each other is as important as what you talk about. These tips will help make the study circle enjoyable, thought-provoking and productive:

• Attend every study circle session. If everyone in your group makes a good effort to be at each meeting, you will build trust and familiarity. This is essential for a conversation that explores the depths of how you feel and think about the issue. And you won’t feel the need to review the details of each session for those that did not attend.
• Be prepared. Read / Watch the discussion materials before you come to each session. Each part of the study circle guide offers questions, viewpoints & ideas to help you examine the issue. By reading / watching the materials ahead of time, you will be ready to jump right into the discussion. The guide also suggests simple things you can do to keep your own learning and reflection on between study circle meetings.
• Take responsibility for the quality of the discussion. The study circle facilitator’s job is to keep the discussion moving and on track. In the dictionary the word “facilitate” means to make easier. But participants are also responsible for “making things easier”. At the first session of your study circle, your group will set ground rules about what kind of discussions you want to have and how you want to treat each other. Stick with these ground rules and help others do the same.

Study Material

I'm proposing to use the Crash Course videos from Chris Martenson's site, along with some related discussion questions (which I will provide here in advance) as the foundation for this upcoming study circle. I have no affiliation with Chris Martenson in any way - I simply like his content and presentation format and style, and he encourages that his work is spread far & wide.

I happened upon Chris Martenson’s site and his Crash Course videos only recently. I think it was a link in a comment from The Oil Drum that directed me there originally. I like the straightforward way that he presents the issues and I thought that by splitting up the lessons into chapters it makes it possible to digest the material bit by bit.

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.

What to expect from a study circle:

Study circles create a setting for personal learning, building community and problem solving. Here are some of their defining characteristics:

• A study circle involves 5 - 20 people who come together to talk with each other about public issues. They meet regularly – usually at least three times – over a period of weeks or months and work in a democratic and collaborative way
• A study circle is facilitated by a person who serves the group by keeping the discussion focused and asking thought-provoking questions. The study circle facilitator does not act as an expert on the issue.
• A study circle looks at an issue from many points of view. Study circle facilitators and discussion materials help participants consider different viewpoints, feel comfortable expressing their own ideas, and explore areas of common ground.
• A study circle begins by exploring participants’ personal connections to an issue. The discussion then expands to consider a range of views about the issue and how to respond to the issue. Finally, the study circle focuses on what individuals, organizations, and communities can do to address the issue. Study circles often prompt people to take action individually and together with other community members.