Circle Process:
Circles are an alternative communication process derived from aboriginal and native traditions that is being re-discovered by people wishing to build stronger community. Circles create a space where trust develops between the participants, allowing personal values and visions to be shared on an "equal playing field", creating empowerment on individual and collective levels. In Circle, just as much emphasis is placed on introductions and trust building as is addressing issues and solutions. In doing so, people grow into relationship with each other on a deeper level and many smaller issues become understood and manageable while larger vision becomes clearer. Circles are used in a variety of settings such as schools, churches, non-profits, collaborations, courts, and are used for a variety of reasons such as community building, conflict resolution, visioning, healing and celebration. The Circle Center's facilitators were trained in the Circle process by ROCA, a youth development organization located in Chelsea, Massachusetts, who were mentored in the Circle process by the Tagish Tlingit people in the Yukon Territories.Where vision, wisdom and community meet.
Insight, I believe, refers to the depth of understanding that comes by setting experiences, yours and mine, familiar and exotic, new and old, side by side, learning by letting them speak to one another.
~Mary Catherine Bateson~
Circle Center testimonials:
The Circle Center has been instrumental in helping us to establish a deep sense of trust and community within our organization. Circle has created an environment where everyone's voice is valued and heard. Through the consistent sharing of individual life experiences, insights and talents, Circle has provided a powerful vehicle for transforming us from a group of human "do-ings" to a family of human "be-ings".Scott Cornwell, Chief Operations Office, Dispensary of HopeCircle creates a space and place for everyone’s voice to be heard; every heart can come into its own with confidence and courage in the environment of circle. Healing occurs when we see and hear each other authentically and circle creates that very opportunity for healing - healing of mind and spirit within and among participants. My experience of circle has been one of wonder, awe, and deep appreciation for the gifts we each bear but that are so often missed in the distracted lives we seem to be living.Catherine Self, Ph.D., President and CEO, The Baptist Healing TrustA year ago United Neighborhood Health Services initiated a series of activities designed to transform the culture in which we operate. The Circle Sessions that Tracy Roberts and the Circle Center facilitated for us as we entered into this process have been crucial to our clinics’ emergence as trauma-informed, patient-centered medical homes.Bill Friskics-Warren, Director of Homeless Services, United Neighborhood Health ServicesI believe that as a society we often are moving so fast we miss the landscape and the learnings. I believe that being in circle allows us an opportunity to slow down and reflect. Beverly Quinn, MSSW, MSOD, Program Coordinator, DCS Training Division
