Abstract: In this workshop, participants will explore and experience the fundamentals of a peacemaking circle. Peacemaking Circles have emerged as a powerful process that is used successfully in a diversity of settings, such as schools, workplaces and the justice system. They are used for a wide range of purposes, including dialogue, learning, strategic planning, problem solving, community building, conflict resolution, healing, sentencing and reintegration. Circles have been used as a restorative approach for everything from gossip to murder. A Circle can be created when two or more people are interested in coming together to talk.
Circles are a values-based, structured yet flexible approach for engagement. Most importantly, they operate within a particular philosophy or paradigm. Circles draw upon ancient and contemporary wisdom, and acknowledge the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of individuals and human experience. Circles are a sophisticated way to balance individualism and collectivism In this session, we will consider the underlying foundational values and teachings. We will also introduce the core elements and structure of a Circle. Participants will come to appreciate the deeper invitation to a paradigm shift.
