Child & Family Services

Peacemaking Circles

Peacemaking circles provide a process for bringing people together as equals to talk about very difficult issues in an atmosphere of respect and concern for everyone. Peacemaking circles create a space in which all people, regardless of their role, can reach out to one another as equals and recognize their mutual interdependence in the struggle to live in a good way.

Peacemaking circles are built on the tradition of talking circles, common among indigenous people of North America, in which a talking piece, passed from person to person consecutively around the circle, regulates the dialog. The person holding the talking piece has the undivided attention of everyone else in the circle and can speak without interruption. The use of the talking piece allows for full expression of emotions, deeper listening, thoughtful reflection, and an unrushed pace. Additionally, the talking piece creates space for people who find it difficult to speak in a group. Drawing on both traditional wisdom and contemporary knowledge, the circle process also incorporates elements of modern peacemaking and consensus building processes.

The circle process typically involves four stages:

• Acceptance – The community and the immediately affected parties determine whether the circle process is appropriate for the situation.
• Preparation – Separate circles for various interests (family, social workers) are held to explore issues and concerns and prepare all parties to participate effectively. Thorough preparation is critical to the overall effectiveness of the circle process. Preparation includes identifying possible supporters in the natural network of the family to participate in the process.
• Gathering – All parties are brought together to express feelings and concerns and to develop mutually acceptable solutions to issues identified.
• Follow-up – Regular communication and check-ins are used to assess progress and adjust agreements as conditions change.

At any stage multiple circles may be held to complete the tasks of that stage.

Circles are facilitated by keepers who are responsible for setting a tone of respect and hope that supports and honors every participant. All circles are guided by the following commitments participants make to one another:

While the design, procedures and participants vary greatly from one circle to another, there are some fundamental principles common to all circles.

Practices and principles common to all circles:

• Participants
  1. Act on personal values
  2. Direct participation
  3. Voluntary involvement
  4. Respect for all things
  5. Self-design
  6. Equal opportunity to participate
  7. Shared vision
• Process
  1. Inclusive of all interests
  2. Easily accessible to all
  3. Flexible to accomodate each case
  4. Holistic approach
  5. Spiritual experiences respected
  6. Concsensus outcomes
  7. Accountability to others and to process

In the circle process social institutions play important roles, but the process is centered on the community context of the situation. The circle throws a wide net to capture possible points of support or assistance and to gather all relevant knowledge. Potential contributions are expected even from those who are part of the problem. Multiple issues are dealt with at once. Circles recognize that the issues interact with one another and cannot be effectively dealt with in isolation. Circles promote mutual responsibility, the recognition that individual well being depends upon the well being of all.

Excerpted from: Establishing Shared Responsibility for Child Welfare Through Peacemaking Circles by Kay Pranis and Barry Stuart in Family Group Conferences, edited by Burford and Hudson

Circle Dialogue

This model is a process for public dialogue and community change. The process begins with community organizing, and is followed by facilitated, small-group dialogue that can lead to a range of outcomes. Circle dialogue facilitators do not advocate a particular solution. Instead, they welcome many points of view around a shared concern. A circle dialogue program...

• is organized by a diverse group of people from the whole community;
• includes a large number of people from all walks of life;
• has easy-to-use, fair-minded discussion materials;
• uses trained facilitators who reflect the community's diversity; and
• moves a community to action when the study circles conclude.

• is a small, diverse group of 8 to 12 people;
• meets together for several, two-hour sessions;
• sets its own ground rules. This helps the group share responsibility for the quality of the discussion;
• is led by an impartial facilitator who helps manage the discussion. He or she is not there to teach the group about the issue; and
• starts with personal stories, then helps the group look at a problem from many points of view. Next, the group explores possible solutions. Finally, they make plans for action and change.