The fact that the study circles are small groups played a big part in that. Many residents have leadership qualities, but the experience of being in a small group brought out those qualities, and the program as a whole provided the opportunity for them to step forward. In fact, it seems like the program has redefined leadership for these people. The participants in each study circle took on leadership around issues that are important to them. Because study circles are small groups, participants have a chance to share their frustrations and deal with them in a productive way.
Conflict is transformed into creative energy rather than a sense of right and wrong.
Because we sit as peers, or citizens, conflict isn't pushed down for political reasons. As they deal with the conflicts and frustrations, people learn from each other to see things differently. They enjoy that sharing. For youth who are not seen as opinion leaders or leaders of any kind, entering a roundtable discussion can be very empowering. Young people at the Institute for Practical Democracy have the opportunity to practice presenting and discussing difficult issues that school or community environments do not encourage.