Study Arcs & Circles

If you dream of leaving less of an imprint on the world, while making it a better place, then joining our study groups on sustainability can help give power to your ideas. Learn and share with others, and find solutions to problems, from complex worldwide issues down to smaller problems in your own backyard.

Because it it the Year of Water in Monona, our 2012 Study Arcs will focus on water. Our next ones begin in February 2012. Want to join?

Session 1: The Big Picture and The Natural Step Framework looks at our world from the global perspective. We’ll learn the science-based sustainability objectives of The Natural Step and dig deeply into the issue of how human needs relate to sustainability.

Session 2: In The Year of Water, we’ll look at specific challenges of water, and the solutions for addressing them at the systems, community, and individual level.

Session 3: Getting Down to Action focuses on “the how.” How can we encourage people to adopt sustainable behaviors?  How can we advocate effectively? How can we promote sustainability in larger systems like businesses and government?

When: once per week for three weeks (generally in the evenings, but we’ve had daytime ones, too).
Where: Monona
Who: Up to eleven participants per Arc. Each Arc has a trained facilitator.
How much: $20 for all three sessions of the Arc. Scholarships are available. A study guide is included and the readings are online.
How to sign up: Send an email to info@tnsmonona.org, sharing your name, phone number, and your top three choices of day/time.

How do they work? We meet once per week to discuss what we have learned from some carefully selected readings and a special study guide. We share our insights and stories together, always moving toward a better understanding of how to make ourselves and our world more sustainable. No tests or pop quizzes, no demerits, no grades! There are: invigorating conversations, enthused citizens, loads of fun, and a celebratory “graduation” gathering—all creating great bonds and a stronger community.

More than 135 area residents have participated in our study groups, learning about working with our planet, not against it. Among the side benefits, after taking the first step of circle participation, “Steppers” have then taken more steps to make their communities, businesses, organizations, and homes more sustainable. And, no less important, fueled by the possibilities, a determined and bonded community of friends has formed to work together for positive actions.

Sign up now for Study Arcs. Either write to info@tnsmonona.org or fill out our contact form, and check the “I’m Interested” box to let us know!

Need more encouragement? Read what previous participants have to say:

Inspiring, invigorating, and enjoyable, I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue and thought-provoking discussion… It also provided a stronger sense of community within Monona. I believe The Natural Step is the future of Monona and hope the city embraces The Natural Step. — Bob Miller

This was an amazing experience! It was empowering to think that we (the people) can have an effect on the choices that are made in our community—to change from business as usual to a sustainable infrastructure that is socially, fiscally, and environmentally responsible. It’s a win, win, win situation! — Laura S. Gavins

This study circle helped to make me more aware of things that I personally can do to be more environmentally friendly. I loved sharing with people in the class. Their examples role-modeled for me what can be done on a daily basis. Being in the class motivated me to try a few things in my environment. This study group opened our minds to the potential of change. — Judy Fritz and Richard Fritz

I more or less “fell” into the study circle, not at all realizing what I was in for. I was dubious about committing the time. I was very happy I did commit the time! It was important to make contact with Monona residents who share my concerns. It also gave me a feeling of empowerment. For years I’ve read about and seen the self-destructive course without knowing what I could do. — Sig Midelfort

Great sharing and camaraderie!! — Kate Heiber-Cobb

Really good for support and community building. This facilitates not only consensus-building, it aids in setting directions for community. — Paul Gavins

I really appreciated getting to meet other people with similar interests and concerns. Before this I felt really isolated. — Barbara Walden

I loved the diversity of my study circle group. We shared views, perspectives and experiences that tremendously enriched our discussions and filled in gaps in our knowledge. Represented among us were sharp, active people with city and rural experience, a high school student, a college student, employed people, retired people, volunteers, a widow, married and single people. — Karen Upper

The most valuable thing I got from the study circle is learning from other’s perspectives. I have learned so much! I have also learned the value of letting people educate themselves, so they can create their own visions and initiate their own action. — Justin Bloesch

It was inspiring to read about the efforts and the tools available for planning, implementing, and measuring progress. Discussions were thought-provoking, energizing, and fun. The people in my group were great sharers and listeners, had been involved with a wide variety of sustainability initiatives, and helped me envision so many more possibilities for action than I had seen coming into the group. I can easily imagine us fellow travelers following and cheering on each other’s efforts even after our circle formally disbands. — Sue Vogt

A great experience, opportunity to meet more of the community and share ideas and strengths. I will miss our Sunday night meetings. I hope to continue the relationships formed in our circle. — Jessica Ace

Illuminating and encouraging. True sustainability seemed like a nice dream that could never be realized. However, The Natural Step shows examples and methods to make a sustainable society. This task starts with shared values and realistic goals. — Carl Millholland

It is always a pleasure to get into a group that is pretty narrowly focused and then learn that each member brings real, new knowledge to the endeavor. That was my experience. The breadth and depth of ideas generated was stunning—and often very doable. Deciding to do something and then actually doing it are two separate things. We’ll see what actually gets done, eh? — Lindsay Wood Davis

I learned a lot, but very little of it came from the book. [The facilitator] and the members of my group were an incredibly rich source of information, and I was really inspired by them. We talked a bit about politicians; I wish that voters would push their representatives to take this class. I think it would make a huge difference in all of our communities. — Maria Sadowski

I thought that the whole experience was worthwhile and educating. From the initial information, signup process, and meetings, to follow-up via email, everything was very professionally run. Respect for everyone in the group was noticed. I especially was impressed by the notion that the study circles contribute directly to any community or action. — Ed Peters

For me, very transformational and inviting. While I have only begun my journey, I’m glad I started with TNS Monona. — Gary Bidwell

If you’re interested in firsthand exploration of places and ways people are adopting green technologies, lowering resource use, and otherwise changing behaviors and methods to be better stewards of the earth, we organize the occasional field trip in summertime. Sign up here and you can be notified in advance of opportunities to join in activities like field trips, Study Arcs, and Green Tuesdays.