This document, which is based on information gathered during a 1998 study of how study circle programs contribute to community problem solving, presents best practices for producing community-wide study circles. The best practices are illustrated through stories that are grouped into five sections on the following themes: (1) creating a broad-based, diverse organizing culture; (2) recruiting, training, and supporting a diverse group of facilitators; (3) recruiting participants who reflect the community's diversity; (4) contributing to change, particularly in the area of race; and (5) linking dialogue with action. Each section includes lists of best practices from experienced programs, tips, narratives, case studies, and community profiles. Selected best practices discussed in the booklet are as follows: (1) make the coalition as diverse as possible from the very beginning; (2) use both traditional and community-based leaders as members, and build a coalition that includes leaders with vision, resources and connections, administrative savvy, and promotional and marketing skills; (3) capitalize on all kinds of friendships and affiliations; (4) cultivate partnerships with the news media; (5) practice careful administration; (6) give every organizational partner a clear job to do; and (7) pick topics carefully and promote circles in a way that suggests an expectation of community and institutional change. Information about the research team's members is appended. (MN)