Description
A study circle is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to bring people together around a shared concern. A small group meets several times, talks openly with the help of a facilitator and a common guide, and finishes by deciding what to do. Study circles were at the heart of the original Sustainable Fox Valley initiative, and this kit packages that approach so any group can run one without starting from scratch.
The materials focus on creating a sustainable community at the household and neighborhood level: what sustainability means, how our homes and habits use energy and materials, how we affect local water and land, and what we can change together. Learn more about the format on our study circles page.
Who it is for
- Neighbors, block clubs and neighborhood associations who want to get to know each other while tackling a shared goal.
- Faith communities and their green teams.
- Teachers, youth leaders and adult education programs looking for a ready-made discussion series.
- Workplace teams and employee resource groups.
- First-time facilitators. No expertise in sustainability or group leadership is required.
What is included
- Facilitator guide (spiral bound): how study circles work, how to recruit and invite, ground rules, session-by-session plans with timing, discussion questions, tips for handling difficult moments and how to move from talk to action.
- 8 participant workbooks: readings, reflection questions and space for notes for each of the five sessions.
- Templates: sign-in sheet, group agreements poster, action planning worksheet and end-of-series feedback form.
- Resource card with links to free guides on this site and public resources such as Focus on Energy and UW–Madison Extension.
How it works
- Read the facilitator guide. Set aside an hour or two to read the guide and choose a meeting schedule, such as five weekly evenings.
- Invite 6 to 12 people. Use the invitation tips in the guide. Diverse groups, with a mix of ages, backgrounds and viewpoints, tend to have the richest conversations.
- Meet for five sessions. Each session runs about 90 minutes: getting to know each other and defining sustainability; energy at home; food, waste and materials; water, land and the Fox River watershed; and choosing actions.
- Agree on actions. In the final session, the group uses the action planning worksheet to choose one or two realistic projects, such as joining the energy challenge, building a rain garden or organizing a cleanup.
- Share and repeat. Send us your feedback form if you like. Participants who enjoyed the series are well prepared to facilitate a circle of their own.
What you get afterwards
Beyond the materials themselves, the real outcome of a study circle is a group of people who know each other, share a common understanding and have a plan. Your group keeps the facilitator guide and workbooks. Groups larger than eight can order additional kits, or contact us about extra workbooks. We are also glad to offer facilitators a short email check-in before the first session.
Want to give this kit to a school or neighborhood group that could not otherwise buy one? See how to sponsor a kit.
Shipping
This is a physical kit. It ships to addresses within the contiguous United States. We aim to ship within 5 business days of your order and email you tracking information when it is on its way. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout. See our refund policy for returns and damaged items.
Specifications
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Contents | 1 facilitator guide, 8 participant workbooks, templates, resource card |
| Series length | 5 sessions of about 90 minutes |
| Group size | 6 to 12 participants (8 workbooks included) |
| Format | Printed, US letter size |
| Shipping weight | 3.5 lbs |
| Package dimensions | 12 x 10 x 4 in |
| Ships to | Contiguous USA |
Kit sales help fund the free study circle resources and guides we publish for the Fox Valley community.
