The Circle is a fundamental form in the practice of RJ. It is rooted in the ancient tradition of sitting together around the warmth and safety of a fire to share food, stories and enjoy each other’s company. In dominant Western culture, we often organize ourselves in rows, facing the leader of a meeting, presentation or class. The Circle, in which everyone sits facing one another in a position of equal authority, is by its nature more inclusive and more conducive to relationship-building.
Restorative Justice Circles are highly structured, intentional spaces in which people share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. They require active listening and promote the development of understanding and empathy for the purpose of:
Community building
Collaborative problem solving
Resolving conflicts and repairing harm