History of Circles

Circles are an alternative process of communication, based on traditional discussion and healing practices of aboriginal peoples throughout the world. Circles bring people together in a way that creates trust, respect, intimacy, good will, belonging, generosity, mutuality and reciprocity. While circles have been adapted for many communities and have been adapted to serve many purposes, they share essential features:

• Everyone in the circle is equal and has equal opportunity to speak,
• decisions are made by consensus, and
• everyone agrees to abide by guidelines established by the group based on shared values, in order to work toward a common goal.

Purpose of Circles

A circle is a versatile restorative practice that can be used proactively, to develop relationships and build community or reactively, to respond to wrongdoing, conflicts and problems. Circles give people an opportunity to speak and listen to one another in an atmosphere of safety, decorum and equality. The circle process allows people to tell their stories and offer their own perspectives (Pranis, 2005).

The circle has a wide variety of purposes: conflict resolution, healing, support, decision making, information exchange and relationship development. Circles offer an alternative to contemporary meeting processes that often rely on hierarchy, win-lose positioning and argument (Roca, Inc., n.d.). Circles can be used in any organizational, institutional or community setting.