Talking Circles

Talking Circles: 

These Circles are a way to share content, plan events and develop projects collaboratively; with an emphasis on accountability and measureable outcomes.

Talking Circles provide a unique opportunity for leaders to manage teams and information in a way where each person  has the opportunity to go deeper into their well of resource to achieve identified goals. It benefits the leaders because they are able to hear every person’s voice, something that is not always possible during a traditional meeting format.

 People hear each other as well and are able to help each other develop strategies. The Circle can be a place where people learn from each other’s challenges and successes.

 The same can be said for members of a diverse community who sit in Circle together. Talking Circles were used from 2013-2017 with residents and workers across the city of Cambridge to collect recommendations to dismantle the School to Prison Pipeline (below). Implementation of these recommendations are still being used to improve outcomes for adults and youth in a variety of settings today.

Talking Circles can be used to acknowledge and celebrate special occasions including anniversaries,  welcoming a new team member into the community, promotions and transferrs.  Participation in these Circles are a good way to become familiar with the process before participating in a Circle designed to solve problems.