During our Circle Keepers Hangout, we started off by conversing over food and catching up with one another. As we started to make our way to gather around, we lightened the mood by playing some games, a way that we can build trust and our relationships with each other. After, we added new pieces to the circle and each of us went around explaining the meaning and what that piece meant to us. As we continued to go around we also disussed how we use this outside of TFD and in our daily life.
For our Circle Training Part 2, we continued our discussion about Restorative Justice and what it looks like to us. Understanding and finding ways to tend to conflict and our relationships. This is important because it is a way to find an understanding on both sides, a way both can heal. We engaged in an activity with sticky notes by writing down times we have felt hurt, but also considering times when we ourselves caused hurt.
Liz and Benjamin led another great community circle on Wednesday. This session, community members wrote some words that resonated with them for safety and belonging. They also wrote one word they are hoping to implement into their life this year. Then, each person put their cards into the circle to symbolize connectedness.
The next community circle will be Wednesday, April 16th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. We hope you can make it!
Jessica and Benjamin led another great community circle on Wednesday. Although we had to reschedule, we are so grateful our community was able to show up! This session continued to build relationships and trust from the previous session. Community members bring their centerpiece items that represent an important moment or memory. Then, the centerpieces were then added to the middle with Jessica and Benjamin’s pieces.
The next community circle will be Wednesday, March 12th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. We hope you can make it!
Over the last two weeks, the team and community members were invited to restorative justice training. Specifically, Andrew Hong of We Each Belong, trained the team in how to lead healing circles, which is a native practice built on restorative justice. Over 4 days, the team got to know each other on a deeper level, creating a circle, and then started to dream what their own independent circles would look like in the future.
We see how impactful circles can be for our community members. This practice was built on the idea that healing can be achieved through conversation, but most importantly, listening. We can’t wait to see how circle will grow in the Proviso community!
Thank you, Andrew, for creating a safe environment for the team! We appreciate your wisdom and kindness.
