All of the projects depended upon the initiative and commitment of an individual adult. Most of these persons had participated in Study Circles in the past, which was the major reason they were willing to use them with youth. At the same time, these individuals would not have started projects unless they received the training and support provided by the Lilly Project. In most cases, Study Circles were held within a school setting although there are examples of community organizations using them. Study Circles moved beyond one school to involve the community in widespread discussion about school problems and the future of the school system.
Empowerment is a central theme associated with the Study Circle process.
Any judgment about empowerment, given the many definitions of it, is difficult, but this example serves to illustrate the ability of Study Circles to serve as the basis of community mobilization around a problem. In another case, Study Circles were successfully used with recent immigrant and refugee youth to address the problems they face as new residents to this country. The youth were clearly enthusiastic about Study Circles and what it had taught them about this country and how to adapt to the challenges of living here. A definition of individual empowerment is an increase in a sense of personal efficacy for which this is an illustration. After the end of the Lilly Project, it is uncertain how the momentum of Study Circles will be maintained.