A circle is a transformative and restorative practice that can be used to build community or to address harm following wrongdoing, conflicts and problems. Circles give people the opportunity to listen and be heard in an atmosphere of safety, equality, and decorum. Participants tell stories about their lives and events from their perspective, allowing all people in the circle to reach mutual understanding.
Circles can be used for a variety of purposes: conflict resolution, healing, support, decision making, information exchange and relationship development. There are no winners or losers in circles. Instead, everyone is on equal footing. Circles aren’t an overnight fix, but allow for healing, transformation, and restoration to unfold
Rev. Chris is a circle keeper trained in the Newburgh Model of Community Circles by the Restorative Center. A circle keeper is not a facilitator or mediator, but someone who holds the space of the circle and allows it to unfold through the trust created among those in the circle.
In addition to regular community circles, I am available to host a circle for your community.
For more information about holding a circle, contact me.