With the Bicentennial Bookshelf as a foundation stone, communities will be able to stimulate public discourse on the meaning of constitutionalism in the United States through the use of this guide. Guidelines and model programs are provided for initiating reading and discussion programs, conferences, lectures series, and seminars and institutes. Three approaches to reading-discussion groups are described: (1) the participant-led approach; (2) the Socratic approach; and (3) the debate-discussion approach. Conference programs offer an ideal setting to explore the fundamental issues of the U.S. Constitution because they bring together a group of people for a concentrated period of time to focus on specific, well-defined questions. Conference models presented are suitable for (1) the general public; (2) lawyers, judges, legislators; and (3) secondary school teachers. Lecture series on the major elements of the Constitution can help focus attention on the nation's vital character and heritage. Institutes and seminars take as their primary task the encouragement of a deeper understanding of the subject matter of the humanities. The appendices include: (1) Bicentennial Bookshelf list; (2) directory of State Humanities Councils; (3) suggestions as to sources of financial support for public programs; and (4) bicentennial resource list. (SM)