Touchstones Discussion Project is a non-profit organization that focuses on bringing people together through open interaction and discussion. Joan Croker, the organization's Business Operations Manager describes it as "a discussion-based method of opening up students to their own opnions", adding that it allows participants of all ages to "take hold of their own education".
First established 25 years ago, Touchstones Discussion Project is the creation of 3 senior faculty members of St. John's College. Howard Zeiderman, one of the organization's original founders, serves as President of the organization and Stefanie Takacs serves as Executive Director.
Touchstones Discussion Project is used primarily with students ranging from elementary to high school, but the organization has also developed programs for seniors citizens, executive groups and prisoners. The method has been used all over the world and is based on selections of classic literature. Members of the organization hold workshops for educators to learn how to use the discussion method in their classrooms.