Recently I learned about Peacemaking Circles, a concept created by a judge in the Yukon, a Dene Chief, and a corrections officer in Minnesota. Peacemaking Circles grew out of healing circles and the Maori process. It is a democratic process that allows each participant to speak and have equal voice in the decision making process. The goal of the circle is to hear what each participant has to say about their experience.
There is a talking piece which is a symbol, and anyone in the circle who holds the symbol is the only person who is allowed to speak at that moment. Everyone gets the talking piece so they have the opportunity to speak, but they can pass it on if they have nothing to say, or do not want to talk at that particular moment.
Applications of Peacemaking Circles
- Uncover problems or concerns at home or work
- Build stronger relationships
- Enhance speaking and listening
- Facilitate decision-making
- Build networks and partnerships
- Team building
- Brainstorm/Share difficulties or ideas
- Resolve conflicts
- Build group problem-solving capacity
- Develop action plans
Why Peacemaking Circles are Important
- Everyone is equal
- All circle participants are respected
- Each person gets the opportunity to speak without interruption
- Everyone can present their perspective
- Provides a safe and respectful place to have difficult conversations
How Peacemaking Circles Work
- Begin with a ceremony, could be as simple as reading a poem
- Each person has the opportunity to check in
- Present and explore the issue
- The talking piece is passed from one participant to the other and they share and express their feelings
- Have a wrap-up and close with a ritual
Core Circe Guidelines
- Respect the talking piece
- Speak from your heart
- Speak and listen with respect
- Remain in the circle
- Honour confidentiality
Implications
For someone like me who is naturally shy, it gives me the opportunity to speak openly and express what I am feeling. I have always had problems transitioning into conversations in a group setting. Practitioners who work extensively with Peacemaking Circles say that people who would normally monopolize conversations speak less in the circles, and those who do not speak, or speak infrequently, speak a lot more. So circle dialogues give voice to the voiceless.
This is a quick introduction to Peacemaking Circles and another tool in your toolkit. If this is something that you would like to explore further, conduct research to understand the process. I had the opportunity to experience the process, I accepted so that I could write about it. The process felt good to me and I felt like I was being heard. The topic we explored in the circle was what we liked most and least about working in groups. In the real world, some of the issues would be far more fractious.
How can you use this information? What do you have to add to the conversation? Let's keep the conversation flowing, please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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