Our History

How does it begin? Who makes it happen?

Those questions were not fully articulated in 1974 as the trauma of war, assassinations, racial injustice, and government scandal gripped our nation—and world.

One thing was clear however. Concerned citizens with differing views needed to sit down and address these crises.

With that premise in mind and constructive change as the purpose, members of the Dunfey family invited diverse groups of people for discussion of these and other urgent issues of the day.

They were in good company at their newly-acquired Parker House hotel in Boston. The Saturday Club, a longtime gathering of concerned citizens had met in that historic hotel starting in 1857. Such notables as Emerson, Hawthorne, Holmes, and Lowell probed issues of their day, often moving to bold action. Booker T. Washington led the group’s last gathering at The Parker House in 1902.

They have been in good and growing company ever since. In the past 33 years:

• More than 15,000 people have participated in 150 Global Citizens Circle programs;
• Diverse groups of students, business people, clerics, educators and activists have been involved in Global Citizens Circle dialogues for constructive change in South Africa, Northern Ireland, Cuba and Israel, as well as in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta;
• More than 90 Global Citizens Circle programs have been held on issues of international concern and more than 55 on domestic issues;
• More than 500 concerned people attended a 2002 program Why War with Iraq?

What was clear in 1974 was the urgent need for a forum, free and accessible to people with a wide range of ages, opinions and backgrounds — a venue to listen, learn, motivate and move participants to action.

The pressing need for civil discourse has never been greater.

On September 10, 2007, the Global Citizens Circle held its 150th gathering inspired by so many dedicated individuals—true global and local citizens.

Let constructive change continue... and let us make it happen.

Welcome.