Restorative Circles

Meeting together in circle is an ancient practice that has been used in many contexts and many cultures throughout time.  The circle is a space where humans can experience the healing power of connecting deeply with others.

Basic Elements of the Circle Process

The Circle Keeper

A Circle Keeper facilitates and serves as the steward of the circle. “The keeper

…is not responsible for finding solutions or for controlling the group. The keeper’s role is to initiate a space that is respectful and safe, and to engage participants in sharing responsibility for the space and for their shared work… The keeper is not an enforcer but a monitor. If the guidelines are not working, then the keeper draws the attention of the group to the need to address guidelines.” Kay Pranis, The Little Book of Circle Processes.

Because circle keepers should be on equal footing with the rest of the circle participants, it’s a good idea in ongoing circles to rotate the role of circle keeper. It’s also a good idea to have two keepers except for in very small circles.

Talking Piece

The talking piece is passed around the circle and the person holding the talking piece is the only one speaking.  The holder of the talking piece is speaking from the heart and the rest of the circle is listening with open hearts.  Everyone in the circle has an opportunity to speak, and everyone has the right to pass the talking piece without speaking.  Choose a meaningful talking piece.

The Center

Centers bring people together. They are a common focus point for everyone involved. Create a beautiful center that is appropriate for your reason for coming together. For example, if it is a grieving circle, include a photo of the person who has died. If it’s a circle of celebration, include a symbol of the cause for celebration (for example, the GED certificate you’re celebrating).

If you’re able, invite people in advance to bring an object that has special meaning to them. The circle participants will decorate the center with these objects as a way of making it their community space. Your location may limit what you can have in your center – for example, only certain objects are allowed inside a prison, or prisoners may not be allowed to bring things from their rooms to the circle. Be mindful of the limitations of your circle location when planning for your center.  Centers don’t have to be very complicated. A simple piece of beautiful cloth can be all that people need to feel centered.

Values/Guidelines Exercise

At the first meeting, the group decides collectively and by consensus on values that the group will agree to honor when in circle.   Common values include: Respect, love, compassion, honesty, confidentiality, no-judging etc.