TALK! San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions

• What is TALK! San Diego?
  
• What is a study circle?
  
• When does TALK! San Diego take place?
  
• Where does TALK! San Diego take place?
  
• What is the role of a Participant?
  
• What is the role of a Facilitator?
  
• What is the role of an Organizer?
  
• What is the role of the Sponsor?
  
• In what role does one begin to participate in TALK! San Diego?

Q: What is TALK! San Diego?
TALK! San Diego is a coordinated effort by the City of San Diego's Human Relations Commission to invited people throughout San Diego to join in community study circles on race relations.

Q: What is a study circle?
10-15 participants meet regularly over a period of a few weeks to discuss critical public issues Facilitators help the group consider different views, keep the discussion focused and ask difficult questions. Many perspectives help the group explore areas of common ground Sessions progress from personal experience to a broader perspective.

Q: When does TALK! San Diego take place?
Study circles meet regularly at different scheduled times. Each session last approximately two hours.

Q: Where does TALK! San Diego take place?
Different locations are available throughout San Diego. We will attempt to accommodate location preferences.

Q: What is the role of a Participant?
Make a good-faith effort to prepare for and attend all meetings Take responsibility to keep conversations on track, keep an open mind and respect confidentiality of the group Share your views and listen to differing views with respect and generosity Work with facilitators to debrief and evaluate sessions

Q: What is the role of a Facilitator?
Become well-informed spokesperson for the program by participating in a study circle and reading through the facilitation and discussion materials. Make a firm commitment to facilitate a five-session study circle Attend on to three information and skill-building sessions for facilitators Work with the Human Relations Commission staff and assigned organizer for resources, support, debriefing, and evaluation.

Q: What is the role of an Organizer?
Become well-informed spokespersons for program by participating in a study circle and reading through the discussion materials. Establishing one or more study circles in collaboration with the Human Relations Commission (HRC) office. Recruit between 6 to 20 participants for each study circle Assist in recruitment of possible facilitators. Arrange a site for each study circle and a meeting time convenient to participants and facilitators assigned to you. Distribute discussion materials prior to each study circle's first session Participate in feedback and evaluation of process and content.

Q: What is the role of the Sponsor?
Recruit study circle organizers (often a small sponsoring group's leadership are also the study circle organizers) Form partnerships with public officials and organizations Recruit facilitators Provide support and assistance to organizers and allow access to organization/individual's resources in order to recruit participants, identify sites, arrange logistics Promote and publicize program

Q: In what role does one begin to participate in TALK! San Diego?
Begin by signing up to participate in a study circle in your area. This will allow you the opportunity to participate in a growth experience and to more fully understand the work of the facilitator and organizer of the groups.