Confronting Violence in Our Communities: A Guide for Involving Citizens in Public Dialogue and Problem Solving [and] The Busy Citizen's Discussion Guide: Violence in Our Communities.

The first guide shows individuals how to organize a series of small-group discussions in order to help participants consider ways to prevent crime and violence in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Based on the concept of a study circle--small-group, democratic, and highly participatory--these groups bring people together to discuss important issues, find common ground, and develop new ways to solve problems. After some introductory notes on violence in the United States, an outline is provided for four study group sessions. Session one begins by asking how violence affects lives in the United States. In session two, discussants examine the reasons for violence in society, while in sessions three and four, participants examine what can be done to lessen violence in neighborhoods and schools. Each session features specific issues for members to address along with examples of approaches that have worked to reduce violence in some communities. Finally, further information is provided on the nature of study circles, suggestions on how to organize a circle on violence, and tips on how to lead and participate in a circle. Also provided are further readings on violence as well as resources for further action. The second guide is an abbreviated version of the first guide. (RJM)