The Open Question Approach How to do an Open Question Circle: Preparation Checklist and Hints Select the question carefully. Does it fit the group? Proven questions are the first one on the other page of this and, "What would make your life more wonderful?" along with the second question. The important thing is that the focus be shared and important to everyone in the circle. Options could be "this country," "your education," "this school," "this family," "this organization," etc. Write both questions and the "Thank you" in visible places around the room, or distribute them to the participants. It is very helpful to get the questions right, and some people will tend to alter them. Select the number of rounds and sets. Minimum is one set of three rounds. One set of five rounds lets people get much deeper. Two sets of three does also, and allows for mixing in a large group. If there is only one circle people can change positions so they are being asked by and asking different people. If there is to be mixing of groups between sets (we recommend it), decide how it will happen. Introduce the process very briefly, leaving instruction for the groups themselves. Have one Designated Facilitator for each group. Group size is ideally 4-7. Sitting in actually round circles rather than ovals allows a more powerful flow of energy and better connections. If people do not know each other, name tags are helpful. Rounds can take 10-20 minutes. An hour for three rounds including discussion is reasonable, depending on the number of people and how talkative they are. The DF is to keep things moving, and at an appropriate point can ask the second question if the first answer is going on. Other useful language: "If our answers are fairly short and simple, other people will be able to hear you better." "If you have a lot of energy on a topic, you can come back to it." There is no charge for using this process or for duplicating these guidelines. However, we have some requests: We would appreciate a report from each occasion of using the Community Circle Process so we can learn from your experience. There is a report form on the AwakeningCommunity.org website. We encourage thoughtful experimentation, especially with reports so we can collect ideas and results. Please have these Guidelines copied and available for anyone who wants one at the end of the process, or refer them to the website where they can download the latest version. We encourage people to apply the Community Circle Process as they feel confident and drawn to doing so. Having the Guidelines will help future generations of Community Circles be successful, and will connect those interested to the website for further developments and for helping accumulate experience. If you reproduce these Guidelines please do so in their entirety and without modification. This will also help insure the integrity of the process. Permission is hereby granted to do so. For more information and the latest version of these Guidelines please see the website, www.AwakeningCommunity.org.   Shared Values are the Basis of Community The experience of many is that the Community Circle Process brings participants into the present moment in a safe and inviting way, and in the company of others. Once present, people often connect with one another in remarkable openness and trust as it becomes obvious that they share important values with others in the circle. Shared values are the basis of community. Sharing them in a group in this respectful way validates individual values and gives them a public place. People are often startled and feel remarkably liberated when they discover that they are part of a community of shared values that already exists, but that apparently nobody knew about. It is equally remarkable that with the Community Circle Process this happens so often, so quickly, so easily, and so enjoyably. Relax, be at ease, and enjoy the experience.