Facilitating Listening Circles: Advanced Training and Essential Skills

What: A Listening Circle is a facilitated ‘safe space’ that provides individuals with the opportunity to share their thoughts, perspectives and experiences surrounding a challenge or harm to their community. This practice also cultivates empathy and connection between participants, and can be used in many settings including workplaces, communities and families. Skilled facilitators are essential, since circles often evoke strong emotions that could derail the conversations and raise barriers to open listening. This highly-interactive 2-part training is intended to teach the skills and considerations for becoming skilled facilitators. It will include learning, practice and reflection as well as useful tools and resources, such as scripts and emails.

Schedule:

1. Before Session 1: Self-guided preparation (1hr, videos, readings, and reflection questions).
2. Session 1 (Weds, Feb 21; 9:30 am -1:30 pm, online): Explore the role of a facilitator and experience a listening circle.
3. Between Sessions: Apply your learning, ask questions, and reflect on your experience. Participants implement a listening circle and engage in threaded discussions.
4. Session 2 (Tues, Mar 26; 1:00 pm -3:30 pm, online): Debrief and learn from others’ experiences.

Facilitators: Pat Lewis & Kaleigh Mrowka, International Institute for Restorative Practices Canada

Registration: There are limited spots available, and priority will be given to faculty and staff interested in incorporating this practice in their work with colleagues and/or students. Please contact FacAffairs@yorku.ca for more information and to RSVP.

Click to see the other events in the Relational Culture series.