Touchstones brings people together to learn actively through engaging and collaborative discussions that explore enduring questions about friendship, honesty, integrity, government, belonging, knowledge, ethics, and humility. These are just a few examples of the topics and concepts introduced by the Touchstones text for discussion. All our discussion texts are short selections drawn from significant works from many cultures, genres, and periods of time. And every participant considers their own and each others’ perspectives, asking and responding to questions that delve more fully into the nature of humanity, community, and society. In the Touchstones discussion process, each person reflects on their experiences, examines their own understanding while hearing others, and forms authentic connections with other members of the group.

 These discussions require little or no advance preparation by participant, and each class begins with the Touchstones discussion leader reading a text aloud as you follow along in your own copy. All members enter on an equal playing field, as the discussion leader facilitates a balanced and inclusive discussion. For an hour, the group openly and respectfully explores ideas to build a deeper and richer understanding. Every Touchstones program with seniors provides a weekly group discussion that explores important questions about ourselves, society, and the nature of community. Touchstones discussions require little or no advanced preparation by participants.  Each session begins with the Touchstones discussion leader reading a short and interesting text aloud as participants follow along on their own copy.  The discussion leader then facilitates a discussion in which all members contribute insights, reflections, and questions. For an hour, the group works together to build a deeper and richer understanding of the world in which we live.