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TSG Circle Start Up Instructions for Leaders

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TSG Circle Start Up Instructions for Leaders

**** Remember to listen to the audio training by Nicholeen! ***

TSG CIRCLE LEADER KIT

Learning Circles –where everybody learns and everybody teaches.

The TSG Learning Circle is a self-directed group of peers with a shared interest in mastering self-governance for themselves and in their homes. Part support group, part study circle, part lifeline to change.

Learning Circles are a powerful way to grow and change with support and feedback of others who are on a similar path as yourself. TSG found that face to face discussion and support improved individuals and families success in implementing principles of self government.

STEP ONE: LEARNING CIRCLE 101 Overview

  1. What is a Learning Circle? A Learning Circle is a powerful mix of discussion and support. In a learning circle all participants are equal, there is no expert. Everyone shares, leads, learns and is challenged to grow. Recognized as a tool for support and positive change, Learning Circles are becoming more and more common in a variety of settings including community centers, churches, nursing homes, and even within corporate teams. TSG Circles often create long-term relationships with others who have similar goals for personal and family self-governance.

  2. Understand the goal of TSG Circles

  • Accelerate growth towards greater self-governance. Have you noticed that people achieve more with a circle of friends with a same goal than without?

  • Deeper discussion to encourage shifts in thinking, ah-ha moments, and constructive feedback.

  • Create friends to whom you can be accountable for the monthly goals you set (like having a circle of accountability coaches).

  1. What does it take to be a Learning Circle Leader? The two most important parts of being a TSG Circle Leader is a sincere commitment to helping others discover the power of personal and family self-governance and a mind for a little bit of organization (more about that soon).

  2. Leaders start the circle and are the circle’s liaison to TSG. You need to be willing to follow the TSG Circle Guidelines in this Leader Kit, and be ready for a little bit of work as you form the group (more about group formation in a moment). You also need to be willing to contact your Circle Members at least monthly with reminders (Where? When? Who agreed to do what?) and links to articles. (see templates for emails and phone calls)

STEP TWO: Clarify YOUR VISION

Why exactly are you stepping up and taking the courageous step to start a TSG Circle? Now the fun begins. Let’s take a few minutes to get clear on your priorities about starting a Circle. Your priorities will guide your decisions about who you invite, where you meet, and what other things you do (like potlucks, snacks, quarterly social nights, book review, etc). To help you get started, check out some possible priorities listed below. What fits you? Take a look at the pros and cons, adding other priorities, benefits and drawbacks as you see them. This clarity will be really helpful as you talk about the Circle with others.

Here we go:

I want a group…

Pro

Con

…where I know I am comfortable with all the people

quickly establish safe environment for sharing

may not be able to share different, helpful perspectives to help you see things differently

…I have the opportunity or excuse get to know people I admire or inspire me

help you get to know them and not put them on a pedestal

may not feel comfortable honestly sharing your weakness, struggles; they may not be able to empathize with you

…hat is diverse

allows you to draw on the experience of people who are in a different state of life, who are of different faiths, to grow my friendship circle

takes more time to develop the trust and comfort level required to share and learn together. Plan for longer chit chat or get to know you activities.

…that is homogeneous, people who are in similar life stage as you of parents whose children are similar ages

likely to share common issues and can brainstorm together and ideal meeting times might be easier to find

could run into difficult if you all use the same babysitters

…include people who I know would benefit from the learning

may really bless their lives

may be too focused on sharing things rather than focusing in improving yourself

Decision Time:
Now, with this clarity, write down why you are starting a Circle and what type of people you want in it. This will be VERY useful as you begin inviting people to join you on this adventure of growth.

STEP THREE: Nitty Gritty DETAILS

  1. How many people do I need for an effective TSG Circle?

  • Typically Learning Circles have 6 to 12 participants in order to carry on effective discussions. Seasoned Circle Facilitators say that when topics get deep and emotional, smaller is better (limit to 8-10). Too small (under 5) – discussions tend to be limited and may not be as effective in the long run. Too big (over 12 or so) – depth and participation is hampered. That said, there is no reason why you can’t begin with you and a couple of friends! The general guidelines for deciding on your group’s size are:

  1. Ability to generate a meaningful discussion;

  2. Necessity to hear and see each other well;

  3. Plenty of time for everyone to share;

  1. As you plan the size of your TSG Circle, consider the following:

  • Space: Where will you meet? Are there space limitations? (comfortable seating for everyone, preferably in a circle).

  • How intimate a group do I want? In a larger group there is less pressure for people who prefer to listen to learn and those who are intimidated by the prospect of being on the spot or feeling that they always need to speak up.

  • Am I willing to have the group grow over time if I start small at first? Introducing new people over time can give new life to a group. Whereas, there are other benefits to keeping a closed circle of people who have established trusting relationships over time. What do you want?

  1. Who would make good Circle participants? Parents, couples, mothers, fathers, co-workers, new moms from prenatal group, church friends, neighbors.

  2. Where should TSG Circles meet? The venue can vary depending on the desires and needs of the group. As you are choosing a place, make sure that the location is comfortable, sufficiently quiet and private. Ideally it is somewhere that allows each member to easily see everyone else. Circle seating is preferred with no obstructions. Locations that may work are: homes, community or seniors center, recreation hall, library, restaurant, park, church classroom. Some groups enjoy meeting at a different member’s home each month and bring snacks or share a potluck meal. Do what works for your Circle.

Decision Time:

  1. How many people do you want to start with? What would be your ideal? 6? 8? 12?

  2. Where will this TSG Circle Meet? Can everyone sit in a circle with the view unobstructed?

  3. What days or times will work for you to meet? Predetermine what will work for YOU then discuss how potential member’s schedules fit within your availability. Expect that the chosen day and time won't accommodate everyone who may be interested, so consider inviting, encouraging and supporting them to start a Circle of their own.

  4. Are there any other considerations you are prepared to accommodate? I.e. Members who do shift work? Participants who have young children and need arrangements that accommodate sitters? Special circumstances (financial, health, or otherwise) that necessitate the Circle meeting at their home in order for them to participate? Distant location of a member’s home? Carpooling? Earlier meetings to accommodate those who get up very early?

  5. What atmosphere do you want? Laid back, casual, formal, dressy night out, serious and studious, playful – lighter tone making a point of having a good laugh together (some of us can really benefit from a good laugh to lighten the cares of our heart or help us learn to laugh at ourselves!) Do you want good conversation paired with good food or encourage simple snacks for low stress. Potluck or ‘Potless’? Dress up or Dress down? You decide some of this by the way you chose to dress, the snacks you provide at the first meeting, the formal or informal way you relate to the group. You could also simply allow the atmosphere to evolve and be shaped by the personalities that make up your group.

STEP THREE: Ready…Set…invite!

This part may feel daunting, but you can do it! You know the basics of what a learning circle is. You can field general questions for those who are new to learning circles. You have a vision – you know why you want to create this group and are clear about your priorities. Remember your vision and you will be able to muster the courage necessary and solve any challenges that may come up. You have an ideal group size in mind so you know when you are finished recruiting. You have figured out when you are available and considered what things you will strive to accommodate – you have some boundaries set. You’re ready! Don’t let doubt or fear stop you from taking the next step to making your TSG Circle a reality.

There isn’t one right way to start forming your group. But keep in mind your priorities because the creative ways to extend invitations, listed below, will lead to different group dynamics.

You could:

A. Make a VERY long list, begin inviting (this is the hardest method –to do it all yourself). Think of people from a local mom’s group, PTA’s, home school groups, church, close friends, family, neighbors, conference members you chat with, etc.

B. Make a small list, invite a few close friends or people who’ve already shown interest in learning how to teach self-government in their home.

C. Start with people you’d like to get to know better or who inspire you. View your invitation as extending an invitation to create or strengthen a friendship.

D. When someone accepts your invitation, have them invite one or two more people. Once you’ve reached your starting circle member goal, stop.

E. Add more members over time, by word of mouth, until you reach your ideal circle size.

F. Think outside the box – if you live in a remote area, could you use Skype or a service like Google Hangouts to connect with people who are very geographically distant?

G. Make a broad invitation to a group that you already belong to (ie, playgroup, Meet-Up group, a homeschool group, a church, school or service group.)

Many people may be interested but unable to attend, so make your starting list longer than you think is needed and expect to invite more than you want in the circle.

STEP FOUR: FIRST MEETING Prep

Decide how you will organize the first meeting. To help members see what is involved with the Host/ess and Facilitator roles, you may chose to host and facilitate the first meeting. Or you could invite members to fill these roles right from the beginning.

Decide how best to communicate with the group in preparation for the first meeting. Making phone calls is more personal and allows you to field any questions or concerns. Email can be very convenient and ensure all the specifics are communicated to everyone, it also allows you to put links to the online resources that they will need – both to register and prepare for the first meeting. Don’t forget to make use of the TSG Circle Templates.

Communicate to EVERYONE:

  • Date, time and location (give directions or email map as needed).

  • Remind them to register as a TSG Circle Member at www.parentingselfgovernment.com

  • Before the meeting have them login to the website, under Community, go to the TSG Circles Page and remind them to read the TSG Circle Member Information:

Terms and Conditions

TSG Circle Member Guidelines for Success

Prepare for Progress – Reflective Questions

“Heart Mind Body Connection” – Foundation Article

  • Encourage them to come prepared to discuss the article and make some organizational decisions as a group.

Check with the HOST/ess (depending on the chosen location this might be you)

  • enough parking?

  • simple snack like crackers & veggie tray (unless potluck or something else planned)

  • water to drink?

  • enough seating?

Communicate Requirements of the FACILITATOR:

  • Carefully read the whole article – you may chose to highlight or make notes in the margins to allow quick reference during the meeting.

  • Review Discussion Questions – jot down your insights, any personal experiences you might share, and any additional questions you’d like to add.

  • Seek Inspiration for which Questions to focus on for your group

  • Review Facilitator Guide and TSG Circle Guideline.

The LEADER (that’s you)

  • reminder phone call or email to all participants

  • make sure all members have signed up for TSG Circles online

  • check with host/ess to make sure the location is prepared

  • check with facilitator to make sure they are ready

  • print off the forms (Meeting Agenda, Roster, Assignment sheet, Binder Cover)

FIRST MEETING

  1. Fill in roster

  2. Ice breakers

  3. Introductions

  4. Review “Circle Guidelines” together (LINK HERE)

  5. Read Terms and Conditions

  6. Decide as a group (if it hasn’t been established ahead of time)

  • Meeting Location – if it hasn’t already been established, discuss the options available. Decide if the role of ‘host / hostess’ rotate? Does the host decide the location and inform the group? Will it always be at the same location? Will it rotate from home to home?

  • Role of Facilitator – Share facilitator resources and what is expected. Tactfully determine if everyone feels comfortable facilitating the discussion.

  • New Members or with Circle Members: how and when new members can join the Circle (Considerations: Will you have a waitlist, or expand your ideal group size to accommodate any interested people? Would members ever be asked make space for others who are anxious to join? When a place becomes available will Circle members propose people and then everyone votes?)

  • Challenges: How will you handle challenges that may arise? If the group is too small? If the group is too big? If the meetings run too late? If the location is not working well? If members don’t come regularly? are consistently unprepared? gossip? or otherwise create disharmony? Will we have frank discussion? Give feedback to each other privately or communicate any concerns to the leader? Do we put such items on the meeting agenda each month to discuss as a group and agree on a plan? Should additional rules and guidelines be established right at the start, or as situations arise? Does the leader determine the guidelines and rules or are they decided upon by group consensus?

  1. Begin the Article Discussion. Consider starting the discussion using on of the 3 suggestion from the TSG Circle Audio Training: Share a quote; Or have people turn to their neighbor and discuss a question that came up for them; Or go around the circle and share an ‘ahha moment’ or part of the article that stood out to them.

  2. Aided by the discussion questions, review the concepts and theme of the article. Facilitator helps keep the discussion moving and purposeful, ensuring everyone to has ample opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences, and ask questions.

  3. Discuss this month’s Challenges/ Participants goals for the month and each describes how they will accomplish it

  4. Feedback from participants

  5. Summarize

  6. Next meeting assignments (if applicable) (FORM: assignments)

  • hostess

  • facilitator (rotating facilitator is best for building a strong group)

  • snacks?

  • any other assignments that are applicable

AFTER THE FIRST MEETING

LEADER

  1. AFTER FIRST MEETING

  • Send a followup email to all the members. Include thank you’s, a link to the next months article, and recap of any decisions or assignment made.

  • If applicable, email feedback to TSG. Share any challenges, triumphs, or observations that might help us refine the program. Could include feedback about TSG Circle Membership information, the TSG Circle Articles or Discussion Questions, or feedback about your experience with TSG Circles in general.

  • Do you have additional resources to recommend to other TSG CIrcles? Consider posting them on the forum.

  • Email the roster to each member, encourage them to contact each other.

  1. 1 WEEK BEFORE NEXT MEETING

  • email or call –reminder

  • email the article link again

  • check in with hostess, facilitator and members with special assignments

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