Category Books

The Little Book of Circle Processes: A New/Old Approach to Peacemaking »

Authors: Kay Pranis, Kay Franis
ISBN-13: 9781561484614, ISBN-10: 156148461X
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Good Books
Date Published: March 2005
Edition: (Non-applicable)

Author Biography: Kay Pranis

Book Synopsis

Peacemaking Circles are used in neighborhoods to provide support for those harmed by crime and to decide sentences for those who commit crime, in schools to create positive classroom climates and resolve behavior problems, in the workplace to deal with conflict, and in social services to develop more organic support systems for people struggling to get their lives together. The Circle process hinges on storytelling. It is hard work, but it is an effort bringing astonishing results around the country.

1	Introduction	3
	Old things made new	3
	About this book	7
	Historical context	7
	An overview of Circles	8
2	Circles in Practice	11
	How does a Peacemaking Circle work?	11
	Types of Peacemaking Circles	14
	Applications of Peacemaking Circles	17
3	A Circle Story-Finding a Way to Move Forward After a Worker Strike	19
4	Foundations of Circles	24
	Values	25
	Ancient teachings	25
	Circle Process as practiced in faith-based communities	30
5	A Circle Story-Finding Understanding in the Classroom	31
6	Key Elements of Circles	33
	Structural elements of circles	33
	The importance of storytelling	39
	Focusing on relationships	41
	Stages of Circle Processes	44
7	A Circle Story-Finding Healing from a Violent Crime	47
8	Organizing a Talking Circle	49
Stage 1	Suitability	50
Stage 2	Preparation	51
Stage 3	Convening	52
Stage 4	Follow-up	54
9	A Circle Story-Finding Respect Across Generations	56
10	Circles in Perspective	59
	Community-building impact	59
	How is a Circle different from other similar processes?	60
	Challenges	62
11	A Circle Story-Finding Connection Within Family	65
12	Conclusion	67
Appendix 1	The Circle Process in Schools	71
	Endnotes	74
	Suggested Reading	75
	About the Author	76