Essentials for Skilled Peacemaking Circles Kris Miner Schweigert

Essentials for Skilled Peacemaking Circles Kris Miner Schweigert kris@circle-space. org www. circle-space. org

Circle Core Assumptions The True Self in Everyone Is Good, Wise, and Powerful The World is profoundly Interconnected All Human Beings have a Deep Desire to be in a Good Relationship All Humans Have Gifts & Everyone Is Needed for What They Bring Everything We Need to Make Positive Change Is Already Here Human Beings are Holistic We Need Practices to Build Habits of Living from the Core Self

MOST effective Circles Authentic Equitable Connection

Features of the Tree Trunk Ceremony Talking Piece Values Consensus Storytelling Keeper Phases

Relationship Values Method Think of a Relationship. . . (pass out paper plates) In THAT relationship, what ONE thing, is present that makes your relationship strong & special. Just a word or phrase, and write that on the plate. (pass out markers) Talk a bit about lots of things, make strong relationships, just one thing true for you today. Collect markers, remind of talking piece, model a response, pass the talking piece.

Benefits Flooding of good thoughts, neurotransmitters. Getting behind the social mask, to the authentic and genuine relationship value. No judgment No competition, builds trust The first pass of the Ask for volunteers to help make plates talking piece. into a Circle “If these are good for our relationships outside Circle, lets bring them in our Circle today”

Using Paper Plates

Values AS Guidelines

Consensus To the values & guidelines To do your best Offer permission to share what might be in the way Agreement for relationship in Circle All have the opportunity to share If not 100%, what in you is reacting?

Consistent Circles Getting Acquainted Building Relationship Addressing Issue (tier I, III) Taking Action

• I matter • People Care • I have a voice • We can make it right

Designing Circle Questions Self Description Transformation Ideas Self Disclosure Stories

Question Design Significance Self-description Meaning Transformation Cooperation Ideas Belonging Self-disclosure Cohesion Stories

Introduce Circle process Propose guidelines Opening Ceremony Values & Consensus Getting Acquainted Significance Building Relationships Round(s) to Build Safety & Connection Belonging & Cohesion Round(s) on your Circle Theme Addressing Issues Cooperation Taking Action Meaning Round(s) to reinforce new wisdom/confirm plans Round(s) to reflect on Circle itself Closing Ceremony

Getting Acquainted Significance Building Relationships Belonging & Cohesion Addressing Issues Cooperation Taking Action Meaning Allow participants to settle in Get yourself comfortable Prepare the space and energy Practice one voice at a time The Circle theme/topic The only stage that changes An opportunity to transform conflict & heal Develop any plans/actions We are all more than the topic Puts students at ease & familiar with process Connects and bonds as we learn Reinforces the skills needed Focus on solutions Makes the sharing more meaningful Provides closure to this kind of space

Types of Participants HH LH HL LL Presence of: High to Low Styles: Authentic & Connected

Working with participant style Style Looks like Highly Authentic Highly Connection Speaks from the heart, honors the values Responses • Affirm • Use as models/co-keepers Low in Authentic Fear of speaking, low voice, High in Connection follows • Care of Questions • 30 seconds of empathy • Help with voice High in Authentic Low in Connection Speaks at others, blurts • Explore Values • Stage questions Low in Authentic Low in Connection Not engaged of heart, not holding space • Widen the Circle • Increase safety • 1: 1 , intro guideline

More resources You Tube, search Kris Schweigert Zoom videos from trainings, coaching calls Blog www. circle-space. org Over 700, some older, updating more regularly again Peace Making Circles Facebook Group Circle Space Facebook page Email newsletter Teachable On-line Courses

Training Opportunities Advanced Practice, at the Miner Ranch, SD June 3 -5 NACRJ Session – June 14 -16 June 19 & 20, Hudson Wisconsin