FAQ

How can I host a Community Response Circle?

The first step is to Request A Circle and coordinate timing.  Because they are held in person, there are a limited number of Circles each year so be sure to get on the calendar as soon as possible!

Can I just do one on my own?

In many ways - yes - absolutely. Ultimately, it is just about calling your friends and neighbors together to intentionally and respectfully talk about topics that matter - with space for all voices, listening to the stories before solution searching, and incorporating time with nature to help find some new ways through. However and as we know, that is not always easy. People like to give opinions, debate solutions, and can unintentionally fall into divisive patterns. If you are bringing people together and need some help planning or want some facilitation tips or even to debrief, I can offer mentoring and consultation support.  No one owns the process of circling forward together. But it does take some good facilitation and holding to be generative, particularly given the times we are living in.

Do you ever provide Community Response Circles online?

Not yet. This may be an option in the future, but for now the focus is working with people in person, in their local communities.  This is actually one of the unique aspects of Circle Forth - I will do my best to come to your location so that the facilitation is locally attuned, locally rooted. I want to come to you, rather than many people travelling to come to me. At the same time, you also become part of a much larger network of communities that have hosted CRC’s and can contribute to the growing list of creative responses, on the grassroots level, to today’s challenges.

Do you provide anything online?

Yes! Mentoring , Rites of Passage Guidance, Brainspotting and some facilitation/consultation can all occur online. I also host occasional workshops on facilitation topics of interest. In terms of facilitation for your organization or any type of consulting to integrate livings systems principles into your group - we can look at that on a case by case basis. Some work lends itself well to online, but some situations are best served in person. Often a mixture of both can be effective.

I am attending a Community Response Circle. What can I expect and what do I need to know or bring?

The main thing you need to know is the general topic being discussed. You do not need to prepare anything, but you may want to reflect on the topic a bit ahead of time. If it is held outside you may need to bring a camp chair, hat, water, snacks, etc. You will have a chance to talk about the topic at hand, sharing stories, thoughts, feelings. We will not go right into problem solving mode so do not feel like you have to come with solutions or plans or policies to advocate for. The process is designed to allow new responses and ideas to spring forth. You can expect time listening to and learning from your friends and neighbors. There will also be some solo time for the more introverted of you. There is no pressure to be or show up any particular way, other than respectful. Come as you are. If you have specific questions about the topic or other logistics, please contact your host.

I see a Community Response Circle that I would like to attend. Can I just sign up?

It depends. Some Circles are open to the public and in that case it will be noted as “Open” and there will be a contact email address. Many are planned by the host who is bringing together friends, neighbors, colleagues. If you see a Circle that looks interesting but it is full or not open to the public, consider hosting one!

How can you provide Community Response Circles by donation?

Facilitation support should not be a luxury item. We are all in this together. If you do not want to host a circle, but do want to support the work, you can “Sponsor a Circle” to help further the Circle Forth vision, practice and keeping the work accessible to anyone. The typical value of such an experience would be $300 per event but any and all contributions are appreciated!

Are all of your Offerings by donation?

No. Only the Community Response Circles are by donation. However, sliding scale options are available for: Facilitation/Consulting, Mentoring, Rites of Passage Support and Brainspotting.

I would love to support this work and make a contribution. Are you a 501c3 ?

Circle Forth is not a 501c3. However, there is a commitment to keep CRCs offered on a donation basis and to provide sliding scale options for all other services. Accessibility is a huge value of this work and so your contributions help keep programs and offerings affordable relative to how pricey experienced facilitation and consulting can be these days.

Your work sounds a little New Agey to me. I’m just not sure if our group will be receptive.

I hear you! Shifting into some new ways of working together can sometimes sound just a little too out there or trigger stereotypes. I have found ways to translate my work into a wide variety of situations and work cultures with a great deal of flexibility and adaptability. I’m happy to offer a free consultation to talk it through and see if I might be a good match for your group or organization. 

I loved those Life’s Principles Leadership Cards you had and would like to use them with my own groups. Where can I order a pack?

These are produced and sold by the Biomimicry Institute for Social Innovation. You can check them out here: Life’s Principles Leadership Cards