Summer Study Circles!

A study circle is the best way to learn more about sustainability and have a great time in the process! Due to repeated requests for a summer study circle on The Natural Step framework, we will offer at least one this summer.

The Natural Step Monona circle starts the third week of June. There are nine sessions, with a pot luck celebration at the end. The circle will be either Tuesday or Wednesday evening. To sign up, fill out our on-line form, send an email to info@tnsmonona.org or call 663-2459, letting us know your name, which evening you prefer, and your phone number.

To join, we just need you to let us know which evening is best for you. We will hold the circle on the night most can make it. If we get enough people interested, we’ll have both a Tuesday and a Wednesday circle.

There are no tests or pop quizzes, no dress codes, no demerits, and no grades. There are once-per-week meetings, invigorating conversations, enthused citizens, a celebratory ”graduation” pot-luck, and a great book to ground it all — The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices by Sarah James and Torbjörn Lahti, a leader of the Swedish eco-municipality movement. The circle has a maximum of twelve people and a trained facilitator to assist. A free study guide is provided; the book costs $25, or, for $5 you can borrow a brand new book for the length of the circle.

Need a little more encouragement? How about this: Participating in a study circle on The Natural Step framework for sustainability provides ideas for individual, as well as community action, and gives momentum to the shared ideas. In the last year and one-half, 56 people have participated in study circles hosted by The Natural Step Monona. Torbjörn Lahti says, ”Perhaps the most important factor for their (Swedish communities’) success in becoming eco-municipalities was study circles. It’s a question of taking control over their own situation and their own future.”

Monona Alderperson Bob Miller participated in a study circle. ”Inspiring, invigorating, and enjoyable, I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue and thought-provoking discussion…” says Miller. ”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.”

To sign up, fill out our on-line form, send an email to info@tnsmonona.org or call 663-2459, letting us know your name, which evening you prefer, and your phone number.