Page 4 - Vibrant Living Scrapbook

Before we begin...
Terminology
In support of a new paradigm with new language that shows ownership, we use the terms householders, housemates and residents interchangeably in this workbook.
Learning Circles
The Learning Circle is an important feature of both the Household Model and the broader Culture Change movement. Because learning circles are so effective for inspiring people to share ideas and opinions, we offer Learning Circle Questions throughout this workbook. They are indicated by the stylized circle on most every page. We sometimes give you several questions but recommend only one question per round.
We use two designations: Staff Learning Circles where topics may be exclusively for staff to struggle with and discuss, and Community Learning Circles where the issues are clearly of value to the full household – residents and staff (and feel free to include family members too). Beginners can learn how to conduct learning circles from the suggested guidelines developed by Action Pact in the back of the book at p. 157. Feel free to print them in large lettering on cardstock and make them available in the household.
Every staff member and, ideally, volunteer and extended family member should learn to facilitate circles. The learning circle becomes the center of planning, an opportunity for creativity and problem resolution, and the foundation for a healthy household. Find times in the day when a circle is appropriate and a volunteer or staff member or householder who will regularly gather householders wanting to participate. After breakfast at about 10 a.m. might be a good time to say, “Let’s gather in the living room – would you like to take a few minutes? Our circle topic is: __________.”
It’s that simple. Perhaps this morning four people will attend. Yesterday there were 12 participants because the topic was of interest to everyone. More tips on learning circles can be found at the Action Pact website under free downloads at www.culturechangenow.com.
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