Circle Training Day 3 & 4

In our second weekend session for circle training, we shifted the focus toward individual leadership and how they wanted to lead their circle, and what that would look like. Keeping in mind what type of games would happen, and what centerpieces would be part of the healing circle. Also, going over what type of questions would be asked during these sessions. Helping prepare each person to feel confident in guiding their own circle!

Healing circles thrive when we lead with trust, intention, and care - and this training was a step forward to continuing to build spaces with trust and healing.

Circle Training Day 1 & 2

During our first weekend session of Healing Circle Training, we focused on building trust and strengthening relationships within the group. The session emphasized connection, creativity, and intentional communication.

The group began with introductions and a creative name tag activity, allowing each participant to express themselves through color, symbols, and words that represented who they are. Throughout the session, they participated in a variety of interactive games and team-building activities designed to encourage laughter, collaboration, and comfort within the group. These activities helped break the ice and move forward to the check-in questions, allowing everyone to share how they were feeling upon arrival in the space.

After the group finished, with started opening up the circle into more vulnerable conversations to start training for what a circle looks like.

Black & Brown Solidarity | Continuation of the Mural Painting

In this continuation of our mural project, we witness the artwork truly come together - gaining a deeper understanding of what is being presented visually. This mural painting serves as a reminder, upon completion and presentation, that there is a community comprising individuals from diverse ethnicities and races. See the full completed mural June 5, 6PM-8PM!

Black & Brown Solidarity | Mural Painting

We are so excited we are only two weeks away from the Black & Brown Solidarity Convening! Last Wednesday, we had our art mural team, Gabe and Amie, design the mural. This mural is a representation of finding community across different ethnicities/races. See the full completed mural June 5, 6PM-8PM!

2025 Black and Brown Solidarity Art Convening | Planning

We are so excited to announce our second annual Black and Brown Solidarity Art Convening with the help of Healing Illinois. This event is completely planned and executed by local youth.

So far, we are finishing the planning phase and getting into the execution phase. The youth committee started by participating in healing circles. These were co-led by Liz and Benjamin who are both trained as circle facilitators. This was to introduce the youth to restorative justice but also to build trust with one another, especially because they will be holding each other accountable during this process. After, the youth picked a topic for what this convening would be focused on. This year, it’s Creative Experiences within Proviso!

The Convening will be held on June 5th, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The youth are looking for creatives to submit their art to be featured at the convening. Please see the link below to submit your piece on your own cultural experiences or cultural experiences within Proviso.