Studies for change and development

1. Studies for change and development To create democratic organisations

2. Is the organisation interested in having members that are active, able and prone to change?

3. What does the organisation bene-fit from having active members? • Ideas rooted among the members • A clearly target oriented activity • Activities guided by local and central/national needs • Many united provides the organisation with an overall strength • An increased feeling of unification • Able to influence society and act as an entity • Being able to make your point on all levels and in different issues • Shorter time between idea and action but with greater tolerance in the organisation • Become more open, flexible and action oriented

4. What are the needs of the organisation? • A strategy for education and training • A study organisation • A way of working/method/study circle

5. A method for education and training – the study circle Facilitator Materials Participant Method Basic values

6. What is a study circle? • It’s a process for small-group deliberation that is voluntary and participatory; • It’s a small group, usually 8 to 12 participants; • It’s led by a facilitator who is impartial, who helps manage the deliberation process, but is not an “expert” or “teacher” in the traditional sense; • It considers many perspectives, rather than advocating a particular point of view;

7. What is a study circle?2 • It uses ground rules to set the tone for a respectful, productive discussion; • It’s rooted in dialogue and deliberation, not debate; • It has multiple sessions which move from personal experience of the issue, to considering multiple viewpoints, to strategies for action; • It does not require consensus, but uncovers areas of agreement and common concern; • It provides an opportunity for people to work and learn together to improve their lives

8. Key facilitation skills • Reflecting – feeding back the content and feeling of the message. “Let me see if I’m hearing you correctly…” • Clarifying – restating an idea or thought to make it more clear. “What I believe you are saying is…” • Summarizing – stating concisely the main thoughts. “It sounds to me as if we have been talking about a few major themes…”

9. Key facilitation skills 2 • Shifting focus – moving from one speaker or topic to another. “Thank you, John. Do you have anything to add, Jane?” “We’ve been focusing on views 1 and 2. Does anyone have strong feelings about the other views?” • Using silence – allowing time and space for reflection by pausing between comments.

10. Key facilitation skills 3 • Using non-verbal and verbal signals – combining body language and speech to communicate – for example, using eye contact to encourage or discourage behaviours in the group. Be aware of cultural differences. • Neutrality is important here, so that we don’t encourage some people more than others.

11. Good study circle facilitators • are neutral; the facilitator’s opinions are not part of the discussion • help the group set its ground rules, and keep to them • help group members grapple with the content by asking probing questions. • help group members identify areas of agreement and disagreement to be able to proceed in the learning process

12. Good study circle facilitators 2 • bring in points of view that haven’t been talked about • create opportunities for everyone to participate • focus and help to clarify the discussion • summarize key points in the discussion, or ask others to do so

13. Good study circle facilitators 3 • are self-aware; good facilitators know their own strengths, weaknesses, “hooks,” biases, and values • are able to put the group first • have a passion for group process with its never-ending variety • appreciate all kinds of people • are committed to democratic principles

14. Establish clear ground rules • Everyone gets a fair hearing. • Seek first to understand, then to be understood. • One person speaks at a time. • Share “air time.” • Conflict is not personalized. Don’t label, stereotype, or call people names. • Speak for yourself, not for others. • What is said in this group stays here, unless everyone agrees to change that.

15. Organising the learning process • The starting point for the study circle process should be clear and obvious. • Clarify and explain different issues or problems that arise during the learning sessions. • New issues or problems must be evaluated and related to the starting point and goal. • Stimulate the participants to bring forward their own ideas and views.

16. Organising the learning process 2 • Make sure that all issues or problems are looked upon from many angles and thoroughly explained. Bring forward supplementary facts or information. Have discussions and point out how new knowledge can be used in real life. • Summarize different views on the subject. Was anything forgotten? Clarify different views and standpoints. • If needed, suggest alternative solutions for the group to decide upon.

17. What will the participants receive • Increased knowledge and skills. This means that I have learnt how to use my knowledge to influence and change my own and others’ situation in a democratic spirit besides from only increasing skills and knowledge. • Increased confidence and self-esteem, this enables me to take initiatives and also know my advantages and disadvantages and strengths and weaknesses

18. What will the participants receive 2 • Increased ability to work creatively, this means that I learnt to express myself and my experiences in several additional ways for instance with theatre, video, exhibitions than just in writing and talking. • Increased ability to communicate, besides the increased ability to read and write I now dare to speak at meetings and I can put forward my views clearly or/and write to authorities, associations or newspapers.

19. What will the participants receive 3 • Increased ability to solve problems in a group. I have learnt to rely on and make use of others’ abilities, knowledge, skills and experiences. • Increased ability to apply an entity view and critical attitude. This means that I don't automatically accept what others say or do unless I can relate this to my experiences, skills or knowledge and to the goal of the studies.

20. What will the participants receive 4 • Increased ability to take part in work for changes. When you increase your knowledge, experiences, perspectives and skills it enables you to be influential, take part in the development of society and take responsibility for your own as well as others development • Greater understanding and empathy