Who we are

The Circle Process - Introduction (http://www.iirp.edu/pdf/mn02_lewis.pdf)

Whatever your cultural or ethnic background your ancestors probably sat in circle. Many of the stories that we call sacred, many of the laws we have were originally told or made in circle.

It is very difficult to define Circle, as it is a process. It is a process where every individual truly becomes a better teacher and learner. One of the best explanations I have seen comes from Kay Pranis, Barry Stuart and Mark Wedge who see Circle as the creation of a safe space that :

"encourage(s) people to seek ways of moving beyond differences in a ‘good way’ to build better relationships. It is not that all Circles draw out only the good in people, but Circles do profoundly encourage and enable people to take the ‘high road’, to share with others in a ‘good way.’…"Thus, more emphasis must be given to improving the game, not winning the game and solving problems not head to head, but side by side.

Circles create the spaces for disagreement without being Disagreeable."[2]There are many kinds of circles, Talking Circles, Healing Circles (or circles of understanding), Sentencing Circles, Planning Circles, Women’s Circles – virtually any kind of gathering where there is to be conversation or discussion can be held "in Circle".

During the time that we are "in Circle" we agree to be our best selves – during this time together we put aside any differences that we had when we walked in the door and we mark this space and this time as sacred.

We use a " talking piece" to control the flow of information in the circle

And we agree to certain guidelines. These guidelines typically include:

Speaking from the heart

Intending no malice

Honoring silence

Respecting Confidentiality

Practicing mindfulness

Each community will want to add its own guidelines and should revisit the guidelines frequently. These guidelines should be endorsed by and have input from the entire learning community.

Remember that everything in the circle is an invitation – when you have the talking piece you are invited to speak, but you may pass. When you do not have the talking piece you are invited to listen.

Circles in Formal Education: The Need for a Paradigm Shift

"He drew a circle to keep me out,

A thing of scorn, a thing to flout

But love I had the wit to win

We drew a circle that took him in."

- Edwin Markham

We Bring Together People From All walks of Life, All Ages, All Colors, All Beliefs, All Neighborhoods and All Careers to Connect With Each Other.

We Encourage Strong Relationships. The Gatherings Form Common Bonds Which Create Relationships In Our Community. When Creating This Positive Unity We Have Created A Movement That Is Encouraging Positive Connections That Changes Our Lives.

Sheila Warren Founder

FOR CONTRACTS AND THE PPU MOU GO TO PPU BUSINESS CENTER

RLD is more about group processing rather than individual, addressing the needs to be heard, to be healed, sometimes what needs to be repaired, what needs to be learned in the wake of feeling harmed or doing or being blamed for the harm, creating the momentum by encouraging solution focused actions and encouraging folks to go out in the world to support others by volunteering and building the relationships. Our intention is to create a paradigm shift.

RLD