The Little Book of Circle Processes : A New/Old Approach to Peacemaking (The Little Books of Justice and Peacebuilding Series) (Little Books of Justice & Peacebuilding)

Circle processes offer a way of bringing people together to understand one another, strengthen bonds, and solve community problemsa necessity in an era of division, polarized politics, and angry debate. Our ancestors gathered around a fire in a circle, families gather around their kitchen tables in circles, and now we are gathering in circles as communities to solve problems. This peacemaking practice draws on the ancient Native American tradition of a talking piece and combines that with concepts of democracy and inclusivity. Peacemaking circles are used in neighborhoods to provide support for those harmed by crime and to decide sentences for those who commit crime, in schools to create positive classroom climates and resolve behavior problems, in the workplace to deal with conflict, and in social services to develop more organic support systems for people struggling to get their lives together. The circle process hinges on storytelling. It is an effort bringing astonishing results around the country. Chapters include: Circles in Practice A Circle StoryFinding a Way to Move Forward after a Workers Strike Foundations of Circles A Circle StoryFinding Understanding in the Classroom Key Elements of Circles A Circle StoryFinding Healing from Violent Crime Organizing a Talking Circle A Circle StoryFinding Respect Across Generations Circles in Perspective A Circle StoryFinding Connection within Family A title in The Little Books of Justice and Peacebuilding Series. Our ancestors gathered around a fire in a circle, families gather around their kitchen tables in circles, and now we are gathering in circles as communities to solve problems. This peacemaking practice draws on the ancient Native American tradition of a talking piece and combines that with concepts of democracy and inclusivity. Peacemaking circles are used in neighborhoods to provide support for those harmed by crime and to decide sentences for those who commit crime, in schools to create positive classroom climates and resolve behavior problems, in the workplace to deal with conflict, and in social services to develop more organic support systems for people struggling to make sense of their lives. The circle process hinges on storytelling. It is an effort bringing astonishing results around the country. (Back cover). Our ancestors gathered around a fire in a circle, families gather around their kitchen tables in circles, and now we are gathering in circles as communities to solve problems. This peacemaking practice draws on the ancient Native American tradition of a talking piece and combines that with concepts of democracy and inclusivity.

Peacemaking Circles are used in neighborhoods to provide support for those harmed by crime and to decide sentences for those who commit crime, in schools to create positive classroom climates and resolve behavior problems, in the workplace to deal with conflict, and in social services to develop more organic support systems for people struggling to make sense of their lives. The Circle process hinges on storytelling. It is an effort bringing astonishing results around the country.

This book looks at the concept of circles, drawing on the Native American tradition of a talking place, as well as concepts of democracy and inclusiveness. Peacemaking circles are used in neighbourhoods to provide support for those harmed by crime and to decide sentences for lawbreakers, in schools to create positive classroom climate and resolve behaviour problems, in the workplace to deal with conflict, and in social services to develop support systems. This book provides an overview of peacemaking circles, and familiarizes readers with the general nature of the process, its underlying philosphy, and how it can be used