PEERSPIRIT CIRCLE METHODOLOGY: COMMUNICATION PROCESS SUPPORT
Creating Conversations that Matter
Ever wonder how to more effectively talk to your partner, child, co-worker, boss? Frustrated about how hard it is to reach agreements and move forward without conflict stopping you or creating hard feelings in the board room. PTA, staff room, discussion group, church group and the like?
How can we reinvent ourselves and the processes we use where honest, open, non-hierarchical, heartfelt communication is needed?
We can do this through a process called PeerSpirit circling. According to Christina Baldwin, author of Calling the Circle, “the circle is an organizational structure that provides on inclusive means for consulting, delegating tasks, acknowledging the importance of people, and honouring the spiritual. Circle is a useful structure for learning, governing, envisioning and creating long-range goals.”
It is through circle techniques and format that we are able to get far enough outside of our usual way of acting and perceiving so that we can have a real experience of each other and discover alternatives for the way things are. A circle is not just a way of arranging the chairs; a circle is a way of doing things differently than we are accustomed to.
Imagine a conversation or a meeting where there are clearly defined intentions and agreements that keep people focused on the task at hand; where there is group respect and a sense of social, emotional and spiritual health; and where there is a respectful structure for relating to each member that can greatly increase the productivity of the gathering.
Imagine a process that teaches people how to focus on the purpose at hand and, through specific techniques, helps people to realign with that purpose when things get off track.
PeerSpirit circle training teaches you how to prepare for circle, how to sustain circle, and how to deal with circle when challenges arise. The circle challenges us to look for points of empowerment where we can fulfill our own and other’s needs, accomplish purpose and take a stand.
PeerSpirit Circle methodology, developed by Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea (www.peerspirit.com) teaches us how to listen carefully, speak intentionally, and act with clarity.
In a PeerSpirit circle:
- every voice is considered contributor
- agreements of participation are articulated
- conversation is viewed as a practice set apart from casual interaction
- the event has a beginning, middle and end and a structure that holds it
- the archetype of circle is present in the space
Bev Haskins has been involved in extensive training with PeerSpirit methodology. She offers her services as a facilitator for you and your partner; family; discussion group; board; committee; staff meeting etc. to experience first hand this process in conducting your conversations that matter.
Call and talk to Bev about bringing her in to help you use this process.
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