Circle Up: Using Peace Circles to Foster Lasting Community Harmony

Circle Up: Using Peace Circles to Foster Lasting Community Harmony

Peace Circles are a restorative practice designed to address specific conflicts by creating a safe space where those involved can share how they have been impacted and collaboratively work to repair the harm and prevent future incidents. This training equips participants with the skills to facilitate restorative Peace Circles, using the structure of Talking Circles and Restorative Conversation questions to establish meaningful agreements. Participants will engage in a collective process aimed at learning, healing, and fostering resolution.

The training incorporates foundational communication and listening skills, emphasizing active listening as a cornerstone of effective facilitation. It also includes key elements of conflict resolution, such as introductory and advanced mediation principles, motivational interviewing techniques to support behavior change, and risk assessment strategies before, during, and after conflict resolution efforts.

This holistic approach ensures that staff are equipped to facilitate Peace Circles effectively, addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering sustainable peace in their communities.