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Do you want to become a circle keeper?

We use the power of circles in many settings:

• for resolving conflicts and making things right when someone has been harmed
• supporting small-group planning and problem solving
• building supportive communities among co-workers
• transforming challenged classrooms into vibrant learning communities
• in our lives as sources of support and wisdom

A small council circle with a group of backpackers in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Participants resolve conflicts, share learnings, discuss what is on their minds, and decide on daily itinerary.
	A community forum circle held in Santa Rosa. Participants share perspectives on community needs and ideas for addressing them.

You are invited to participate in an immersive training in the circle way. We will be learning-by-doing, supported by group reflection and discussion. Your circle keeper/trainer will share experiences and insights on a variety of important concepts for circles:

• The role of ritual in opening and closing circles
• Crafting high-quality questions that unify the work of the circle
• The talking piece-ways to use it, when to set it aside
• The unique nature of the role of circle keeper
• The role of participants in guiding the work of the circle
• Practical ways to use circles in your workplace, family, community
• Giving and getting support as a circle-keepers

Location: 3440 Airway Drive Suite E, Santa Rosa unless otherwise specified

Time: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM, one hour lunch break

Cost: $45.00 per day. Each day will be a unique experience; you are invited to attend more than one day.

2010 Dates (all trainings held on Saturday)

September 11 in Marin FULL

October 16

November 13

2011 Dates (all trainings held on Saturday)

January 22

March 12

April 9

May 21

To Register: By telephone, 707-542-4244; by email, amos@restorativeresources.org

We will repeat the training on all dates with eight or more confirmed participants. You are invited to attend more than one date, as each training will be shaped by the participants and thus unique insights and lessons are likely to emerge.

If you have a group or organization that would like to schedule a training please contact Amos Clifford at 707-542-4244.

Faculty (one or more will lead each day's circle experiences):

Amos Clifford, MA, is Executive Director of Restorative Resources. He has been a circle keeper in many settings, has been trained by some of the world's foremost circle keepers, and teaches circle-keeping internationally. He is actively investigating how circles can transform chaotic classrooms into cohesive learning communities; how circles help individuals and groups transform data into wisdom; and how circles can help restore right relationships between humans, other-than-human species, and the habitats that sustain us all. .

Susan Kistin, MFT, is a circle keeper of many years experience. She has trained extensively in the circle way and is passionate about sharing this transformative practice of collaboration with groups all kinds. Susan is a psychotherapist and co-founder of EarthWays, an organization that offers nature-based rites of passage, circles, workshops, retreats and DayQuests.

Chuck Fisher, Ph.D. has been leading circles since he was teen. He has used circles and the council format in wilderness and school settings K-12 through graduate for over 30 years. Chuck is on the Research Faculty at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and a trainer for the Toolbox Project, the PassageWorks Institute, and the HeartMath Institute. To Chuck, the circle brings out one's natural instinct for deep connections with others.