Using a "Solution Circle" as a community capacity tool for solving problems

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Abstract

The Solution Circle is a short, but powerful exercise that is effective in finding strategies to deal with many types of problems. Solution Circles are tools of "community capacity," assuming and demonstrating that other people in the community or work place have the capacity to help — if asked. Helen Panzironi used "The Solution Circle" at the 10th Annual People First Conference in September of 2003 to brainstorm ideas for increasing the numbers of people with disabilities in national and community service. She then shared her experiences on the Disability e-mail discussion list in September 2003.

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Issue

Getting members and volunteers to work together on a common goal, and enabling volunteers to move forward when "stuck" on a problem.

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Action

Marsha Forest and Jack Pearpoint of the Marsha Forest Centre in Canada designed the Solution Circle.

Time required: No more than thirty minutes.

People per Solution Circle: Best with five to nine participants.

Steps to take when using this exercise are as follows:

Assign roles to be played:

  • Problem Presenter (focus person)

  • Process Facilitator (team manager, time keeper)

  • Note Taker or Graphic Recorder


For large groups, the group facilitator asks the group for volunteer problem presenters. (The number required is approximately the total group divided by nine.) Then ask for a process facilitator and a graphic recorder to attach themselves to each problem presenter so each core team is now a group of three. The balance of the large group now join the various problem solving teams so each team totals approximately eight to nine problem solvers. Diversity in teams is best - spread the age range and try for male/female diversity. The greater the diversity per team the better.

Brainstorm Team

Explain the steps to the teams in detail:

Step One: (Six minutes) The problem presenter (focus person) will have six uninterrupted minutes to outline the problem. The job of the process facilitator is to keep time and make sure no one interrupts. The recorder takes notes. Everyone else (the brainstormers) listens. If the problem presenter stops talking before the six minutes elapse, everyone else stays silent until the six minutes pass. This is key! The problem presenter gets six uninterrupted minutes.

Step Two: (Six minutes) This is a brainstorm. Everyone chimes in with ideas about creative solutions to what they just heard. It is not a time to clarify the problem or to ask questions. It is not a time to give speeches, lectures or advice. The process facilitator must make sure this is a brainstorm. Everyone gets a chance to give their brilliant ideas. No one must be allowed to dominate. The problem presenter listens - without interrupting. He/she must not talk or respond.

Step Three:(Six minutes) Now the group can have a dialogue led by the problem presenter. This is time to explore and clarify the problem. Focus on the positive points only and not what can't be done.

Step Four: (Six minutes) The First Step. The problem presenter (focus person) and the group decide on first steps that can be achieved within the next three days. At least ONE step should be initiated within 24 hours. This is critical. Research shows that unless a first step is taken almost immediately, people do not get out of their ruts. A coach from the group volunteers to phone or see the person within three days and check if they took their first step.Finally the group just does a round of words to describe the experience and the recorder gives the record to the focus person. If in a large group, the teams return to the main group, debrief and continue.

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Context

In 1990, Marsha and Jack Pearpoint founded the Centre for Integrated Education and Community along with Judith Snow and Father Patrick Mackan. This is a registered Canadian charity organization devoted to building inclusive education and community. In 2001, the Centre changed its name to The Marsha Forest Centre.

The Pearpoints are internationally recognized for their pioneering and colorful planning tools: MAPS and PATH, as well as Circles of Friends, Solution Circles, The Talking Stick Reflection, Creating an All Star Company and the Graphics and Music Academy. They use process facilitation, music and storytelling as tools to transform organizations, families and individuals. Their work is used in universities, colleges, business, education, human service as well as families and individuals around the globe.

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Outcome

According to the Pearpoints, "In our experience people love this exercise and find that it generates action. It does not guarantee a solution, but it usually gets people 'unstuck' and at least points to the next logical step."

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Posted On

May 5, 2004

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For More Information

Helen Panzironi
Center for Excellence in Disabilities, West Virginia University
Outreach Training/Fine Arts Coordinator
955 Hartman Run Rd
Morgantown, WV 26508
Phone: (304) 293-4692 or 1
Fax: (304) 293-7294

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Source Documents

Related Practices

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Related sites

Inclusion Network

Topic Areas

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