Sister donna Liette, c.pp.s Circle Process Sister donna Liette, c.pp.s

Peace Circles Brings together the ancient wisdom of community and the contemporary value of respect for individual gifts, needs, and differences in a process that: (fire, table, circle…Church…) Honors the presence and dignity of every person Values the contributions of every participant Emphasizes the connectedness of all things Supports emotional and spiritual expression Gives equal voice to all

Information from Kay Pranis’s Book: The Little Book of Circle Processes

Places for Circles Schools (Judge Hogan’s plan) Social Services (Team building) Workplaces (Strategic plans) Neighborhoods (Rival gangs) Churches (Mergers…) Justice Systems Families

Circle components Name Tags Ice Breakers (holistic – whole person) Rituals (Chiming in – lighting a candle, music, deep breathing, poetry, prayer) A Talking Piece Circle Keepers Shared Values (foundation) Guidelines (shared commitment for safety) Consensus Decision-Making

Types of circles Healing Celebration Support Conflict Reintegration Sentencing

Foundations of Circles

Opening rituals Honor presence of everyone Help to center/connect participants Awareness of core values Create sacred, safe space CHECK-IN

Closing Rituals Acknowledge efforts Affirm interconnectedness Convey hope for the future Prepare for return to ordinary space CHECK-OUT

Guidelines Adopted by consensus of the Circle Establish clear expectations for conduct Based on what is needed to create a safe space

Talking piece Creating space in which participants can speak from a deep place of truth Slows the pace of conversation Carries symbolic meaning Creates a level of order in the sharing Gives each person a voice No judgment on passing Sankofa

Keepers of the circle Create and keep a safe and respectable space Engage participants in sharing responsibility for space Need an ability to let go of control and share responsibility for the process and outcomes with participants

Consensus Decision-Making All participants are willing to live with the decision and support its implementation Consensus give power to everyone Attitude of exploration rather than of conquering or persuading

Storytelling Circles are a storytelling process Personal narratives are the source of insight and wisdom Strengthens a sense of connectedness, fosters self-reflection, and empowers participants Having others listen to your story can bring healing and understanding

Four relational elements of circles Developing Plans/Sense of Unity Meeting, Getting Acquainted Addressing Vision/Issues (content) Building Understanding and Trust

Stages of Circle Processes Determining suitability Preparation Convening all parties Follow-up

Stage 1: Determining Suitability Are key parties willing to participate? Are trained keepers available? Will the situation allow the time required to use the Circle Process? Can physical and emotional safety be maintained?

Stage 2: Preparation Identify who needs to participate: Who has been impacted? Who has resources, skills, or knowledge that might be needed? Who has similar life experiences that might add insight? Familiarize key parties with the process. Begin exploring the context of the issue.

Stage 3: Convening all parties Hospitality and safety Express feelings – check-in Identify shared values and develop guidelines Engage storytelling to build relationships and connections Victim shares harm done Offender addresses his role in the issue Determine actions for repairing the harm Circle consensus Develop agreement and clarify responsibilites

Stage 4: Follow-up Assess progress on agreements. Are all parties fulfilling their obligations? Seek for causes of any failure to fulfill an obligation, clarify responsibilities, and identify next steps if the failure continues Adjust agreements as needed based on new information or developments Celebrate successes

Peace Circles We create a space that is respectful and reflective, people can find their way through anger, pain, and fear to find common ground and take care of one another. “Circles take the hard things and bring out the goodness in all.” - Circle participant

Spiritually Fit/balanced  Wellness Circle   Spiritually Fit/balanced Emotionally Fit/balanced Mentally Fit/balanced Physically Fit/balanced

Let’s plan a circle Why a circle? Is it appropriate? Type of Circle Preparation: (who, where, when, circle keepers….) Cloth, talking pieces, candle, CIRCLE Ice Breaker Check-in Opening Ritual (Ribbon… Safe Place Sharing…) Values/Guidelines -Consensus Questions: What is next? Follow-up – especially with sentencing circles …what do you need? Check-out Closing Ritual (drumming…)