The Circle Experience
Mode: 3 hour overview of the circle experience as a means to model the circle process for restorative justice; formal discussion of circles and overview of the weekend based on allotted time.
Use: Before participants of the training can implement the model or recommend it for their clients, they need to experience the model and understand its power. Participants will sit in a facilitated circle, answer prompts share stories, listen empathetically, and reflect on this new paradigm of sharing space together.
Goal: To allow participants to experience the different prompts that can be used to navigate the circle, the shift of power dynamics when using a talking piece, and connectedness after such and engagement. Participants will be more effective in facilitating this alternative dispute resolution model for themselves, their clients and their communities.
Objectives: Participants will:
- engage in the narrative/story telling experience;
- develop empathy by listening to other persons sharing their stories;
- understand the deep humanistic connections when sitting in space together;
- realize that potential of using the circle process (and ultimately Restorative Justice) to build bridges within disparate parts of their community;
- have a forum for offering and receiving
Method: Trainers will model group work for participants; open discussion about the model will be held.
Handout: The participants will be given a workbook and assignments to read essays therein.The workbook will be distributed for the training; reflective reading assignments and worksheets will be asked to be completed for next training day.