Training summary

Restorative Circles

What is this 1-day training about?

A Restorative Circle allows people who live together in a community to effectively deal with conflict. When we use the word ‘community’ we use a broad definition and think not only of families, neighborhoods, villages, towns, etc. but of anyone who lives with others in the same environment and is directly impacted by these others. In the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro the Englishman Dominic Barter developed the concept of Restorative Circles. In an area where armed gangs rule and have their own laws, he introduced a nonviolent alternative in which a participants use a Restorative Circle to find a respectful solution together. The Brazilian government has taken an interest in this model as an alternative to established law. Restorative Circles helps all parties involved in a conflict to talk and strive towards a satisfactory solution for everyone. After being developed in the slums of Brazil, this model has found its way into schools, courtrooms and prisons and is now applied in a variety of contexts. Restorative Circles focuses on creating or restoring the connection between individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. A Restorative Circle creates the possibility for people to connect in an empathetic manner and enables people to reach out despite differences. Participants and communities find meaning and experience an increase in wellbeing. Participation in a Restorative Circle increases the cohesion between people and creates conditions for fruitful collaboration. Restorative Circles offer a safe environment for an open dialogue that creates commitment among participants and changes perspectives in a positive way.

In a Restorative Circle, all attendees get the opportunity to talk about:

• what happened
• the effect it had and how they have been impacted
• what it takes to prevent this in future
• what is needed to move on

Restorative Circles uses a process that offers a structure in which one person speaks at a time. A facilitator guides the process and helps the audience to get a clear on the intent and meaning behind what is said.

What is this training like?

Restorative Circles uses a step by step approach in which participants use real live examples to gain insight in the process. During this 1-day training participants develop skills that help them to establish connection with others time and again in the midst of conflict.  The systematic approach gives people and communities the tools to deal with future conflicts in another way. A pro-active, practical and non-violent approach to future violence that limits or even prevents damage. Participants in a Restorative Circle receive a real-life experience of the power of a nonviolent approach to conflict in a stressful situation and gain an understanding of  how to bring about positive change. The structure of the training always consists of some theory, a demonstration and ends with an exercise and evaluation. This training focuses on developing new skills while actively engaging with other participants.

Whom is this course for?

Participants speak English and are actively pursuing social change for example in health care, schools, the justice system, neighborhoods, families, businesses, non-profit organizations.

Dates, location and time

See the calendar on this site for dates and location. Unless otherwise stated, the training is from 10 am to 5 pm.

Cost

Training / Workshop dates

* All dates are subject to change and will be confirmed on registration. Unless indicated otherwise training times are daily from 10am – 5pm.

• 09 Apr

  An Introduction to Restorative Practices and Processes

  location TBA

  Calgary 7-9 pm UTC. We will talk about all forms of Restorative Practices including Restorative Circles

  Register
• 13 Apr

  Restorative Practices and Processes

  location TBA, 13, 14 and 15 April 2018

  We will engage in and explore diverse Restorative Practices from Friday 7-9pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4 pm.

  Information on one of these practices can be found through the link to the webpage on Restorative circles.

  Register