Circle of Courage
Goals: Create a process that will make all members feel they are treated fairly
Create an environment where all members feel free to share and participate
Materials: A talking piece
Process:
1. Before the circle is formed you need to find a talking piece that can be passed around the circle. The talking piece can change from meeting to meeting but it needs to hold some significance to you or the group.
2. Explain to the participants what they are taking a part in and what the talking piece is used for during the meeting.
3. There are four rules that apply to the process:
i. Work at sharing from the heart
ii. Work at listening through the heart
iii. Work at being spontaneous in your sharing
iv. Work at making your contributions brief
4. While you are sitting in the circle the talking piece will be passed around to all. Whoever has the talking piece is the only one in the group who can speak. All others must listen until they receive the talking piece.
5. All members are given the opportunity to speak by holding the talking piece. However, they may decline to speak and that is initially okay.
Facilitators (that is you)
1. You will provide input into the discussion without using the talking stick.
2. You are vital to the process. The members of the group will mirror or copy your attitude and verbal or non-verbal responses to the process.
3. Be positive…be encouraging…and be open…
During the Circle of Courage:
1. Explain to the group that the Circle of Courage is based on Native American traditions.
2. The talking piece will be passed around the circle clockwise.
3. As it is passed from person to person you, the facilitator, will ask different questions. Each member will could have a different question asked of them, however, the same question may be used multiple times. It is important to note that the same question should not be asked to all the members. These questions can start of easy and progress to longer ones. As your group’s comfort level grows you can slowly move away from the easy ones. Also, invite the group members to turn in questions to you and part of the process. (Examples are given below)
4. Once everyone has had a chance to speak you must close the meeting with a ceremonial gesture or send off. It could be a quote or a simple saying like, “This group will succeed.” Also, you could have all the participants put their hands in as a group and say, “Success together” and raise your hands. It is up to you and your group.
Possible Statements to use….
- Describe your favorite movie.
- Tell what your favorite subject is in school and why.
- Describe a situation when you had a good time with a family member.
- Talk about a time when you made a good decision.
- Share with the group a situation during which you were successful.
- Share with the group what you like to do outside of school.
- Talk about a person who has had the most positive impact on your life.
- Describe your favorite food.
- Talk about a time that you were surprised.
- Describe your most favorite gift.
- What is your most favorite place and why?
- Share a memorable moment with a friend.
- What was your favorite birthday and why?
- What is the most likable thing about your home?
- Where do you go to think about things or be quiet? Describe that place.
- Describe the one thing that you want people to notice about you.
- Talk about your favorite item of clothing.
- What brings you comfort and peace of mind when you aren’t happy? Talk about it.
- What is a lesson that you learned by making a mistake?
- What are you most grateful for in your life?