Truth-Telling Circle

Truth-telling and witnessing circles ignite our capacity for taking stock of the harms we have committed. It orients us toward our treasured humanity. It is a crucial beginning step forward in reconciliation. This space is meant to be non-judgmental and aimed to challenge colonized practices of silencing within child welfare systems. The Truth Circles are an opportunity to consciously push back against that code of silence and allow us to speak freely. This does not mean we will share case file information; rather, we share our own experiences.

Each circle experience is unique, and we invited you to attend, whether it was your first one or you had been to several. Speaking and witnessing truths about child welfare is not for the faint of heart. It allows us to be relational, respectful, and compassionate with each other and treasure our own humanity in a field that is systemic in its complicity. In this space, you will feel comfortable to ‘pass’, while you witness others share their truth.

We recognize that sharing and witnessing truth can be a holistic experience. We encourage attendees and/or participants to bring their authentic selves and be fully present in the space. This space is not about finger-pointing or shaming. We hoped that this experience would help us hold these truths and sort out our individual and collective responsibilities in influencing change.