Learning circles are small self-managing discussion groups. They sometimes start when a group of friends decide they want to learn about an issue. Other circles start when a number of people form a group after seeing an advertisement. Groups meet in private houses or in meeting rooms, schools or halls.
The Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation produces materials to guide learning circles. The Australians for Reconciliation Study Circles Kit was originally produced in 1993. There are eight session guides in this kit. They deal with:
- Reconciliation and the search for justice;
- The importance of land and sea in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures;
- Learning from history;
- Introduction to contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia;
- Myths, stereotypes and prejudice;
- Introduction to Government policy and practice;
- Learning from international experiences; and
- Local activity to achieve justice.
A new kit that takes account of the latest developments will be available in the second half of 1998.
Members of learning circles decide for themselves how they want to use the kit.
Feedback from people who have been members of learning circles shows that they enjoy the experience and find it enables them to better understand issues relating to reconciliation and its importance for AustraliaÕs future.
If you want to join a learning circle, the Australians for Reconciliation (AFR) coordinator in your State or Territory will put you in touch with other interested people who live close to you. If you want to coordinate a learning circle, your nearest AFR coordinator will provide you with the kit and other support you may need to get started.
You can get in touch with your nearest AFR Coordinator through the following channels.
ACT 1800 804 330 Email: mopar@cyberone.com.au NSW 1800 060 266 Email: arrilla@netlink.com.au NT 1800 060 268 Email: ards.govan@oct94.net.au QLD 1800 060 267 Email: complan@ozemail.com.au SA 1800 060 270 Email: dmaccc@dove.mtx.net.au TAS 1800 659 363 Email: suzie_sereda@vision.net.au VIC 1800 060 265 Email: williamsc@wva.org.au WA 1800 060 269 Email: afrwa@iexpress.net.au