A study circle is a group of 6 to 12 people who get together on a regular basis to discuss readings and support one another in meeting their individual goals. Many voluntary simplicity study circles have formed in Washington state and throughout the U.S.
These groups are usually free for participants and leadership in the group is rotated or shared.
A list of study circle contacts can be found at http://www.slnet.com/free/study/default.htm. The Phinney Neighborhood Association periodically offers an orientation on how to form and run a study circle. Check the list of Voluntary Simplicity classes for the current schedule.
Organizing materials and curriculum for study circles:
We recommend the book The Circle of Simplicity by Cecile Andrews, published by Harpercollins. The book is out in paperback for about $11 at most bookstores. It outlines curriculum and facilitation techniques for a study circle. This is the study circle model we use in orientation trainings. (Find more information about Cecile at www.slnet.com/free/study.)
"Connections Packet" published by Simple Living Quarterly includes a bibliography and suggestions for forming a voluntary simplicity study circle. Order by sending $3 to: Connections, SLQ, 2319 N 45th St. Box 149, Seattle, WA 98103.
Simplicity as Compassion: Voluntary Simplicity from a Christian Perspective is a curriculum designed for communities of faith published by Earth Ministry. The cost is $15. For more information check http://www.earthministry.org.
The popular book Your Money or Your Life now has a group study guide published by the New Road Map Foundation. The cost is $5 for the guide. Check http://www.slnet.com/cip/nrm/ for more information.
The Northwest Earth Institute offers curricula on several topics such as Bioregionalism, Deep Ecology, and Voluntary Simplicity. Email nwei@teleport.com for information
Another good resource is the videotape of the film Affluenza or the sequel Escape From Affluenza which appeared on PBS stations in 1998. You can order a copy of the tape for your study circle or local library. Visit their website: http://www.pbs.org/affluenza/ for more information.
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