The Little Book of Racial Healing by Thomas Norman Dewolfe

Author:Thomas Norman Dewolfe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Good Books
Published: 2018-12-13T16:00:00+00:00

Essential Elements of the Circle

The circle process provides equal opportunity for all participants to contribute and feel heard and valued by intentionally creating a relational space within which everyone has equal dignity and worth. This is not simply putting a bunch of chairs in a circle and talking. Deliberate and advanced preparation is critically important for success. We offer the following essential circle elements.

Sitting in a Circle

Circle work occurs by actually sitting in a circle so everyone can see everyone else, with no sides and no corners in which to hide. Participants are accountable to each other, face-to-face, where everyone can hear people’s stories and witness nonverbal communication. Being in circle creates space to share deeply in different ways. The first step of sitting in circle begins the process of shifting embedded forms of communication rooted in power imbalances and a win-lose polarity that is often present in other facilitated processes. Circles, lived with intention and care, model the equality and interconnectedness necessary for difficult topics.

Circle Keeper

The role of the circle keeper is analogous to that of a monitor, not an enforcer. The keeper supports the group in building and sustaining a space where everyone feels welcome to speak from the heart and where individual and collective wisdom can emerge. In other processes, the facilitator holds tremendous power and decides who talks next. In the circle process, power is distributed equally through the use of a talking piece, and the keeper helps create and assure equality while exhibiting care, humility, and flexibility with the group. Keepers rarely intervene and do so only if group agreements or values are compromised; in such situations, the keeper takes care about how and where to use her or his voice.

Talking Piece

A talking piece is used to equalize the circle, reduce the control of the keeper (or anyone), and distribute that control equally among the participants. The implicit understanding is that everyone has important wisdom to share with the group. The talking piece is passed around the circle, in order, from person to person, giving each participant equal opportunity to share. Only the holder of the talking piece may speak and does so without being interrupted. Everyone else in the circle listens deeply to what the holder shares. Power is found in the listening because it challenges everyone to be present, not focused in the next moment or conversation to come. Each participant has the choice to pass rather than share. The quietest voice is not shamed or ignored in passing, while the loudest voice is not praised. Ideally, the talking piece will be an item that represents the topic of discussion or something relevant to the particular group. It is typically, but not always, selected by the keeper.

Centerpiece

Many circles include a centerpiece, or altar, at the center of the circle. A centerpiece can symbolize the importance of the gathering and create a focus for the circle. Initially, the keeper typically sets it up, though participants are often invited to bring an object representing some important aspect of their lives as a personal contribution to the centerpiece.

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