The Little Books of Justice and Peacemaking
DESCRIPTION:
Our ancestors gathered around a fire in a circle, families gather around their kitchen tables in circles, and now we are gathering in circles as communities to solve problems. The practice draws on the ancient Native American tradition of a talking piece and combines that with concepts of democracy and inclusivity.
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.
CONTENTS:
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 19
Forward After a Worker Strike
4. Foundations of Circles 24
Values 25
Ancient teachings 25
Circle Process as practiced in 30 faith-based communities
5. A Circle Story—Finding Understanding in 31
the Classroom
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 47
Violent Crime
8. Organizing a Talking Circle 49
Stage 1: Suitability 50
tage 2: Preparation 51
Stage 3: Convening 52
Stage 4: Follow-up 54
9. A Circle Story—Finding Respect Across 56
Generations
10. Circles in Perspective 59
Community-building impact 59
How is a Circle different from other similar 60 processes?
Challenges 62
11. A Circle Story—Finding Connection 65
Within Family
12. Conclusion 67
Appendix 1: The Circle Process in Schools 71
Endnotes 74
Suggested Reading 75
About the Author 76 ABOUT
THE AUTHOR:
Kay Pranis is a trainer and writer on Peacemaking Circles and restorative justice. She served as the Restorative Justice Planner for the Minnesota Department of Corrections from 1994 to 2003. Since 1998, Kay has conducted Circle trainings in a diverse range of communities -- from schools to prisons to workplaces to churches, and from rural towns in Minnesota to Chicago’s South Side to Montgomery, Alabama. She has written numerous articles on restorative justice and co-wrote Peacemaking Circles: From Crime to Community. Kay’s intention in her work is to create spaces in which people can be in more loving connection with each other. Kay’s experience as a parent and a community activist form the foundation of her vision for peacemaking and community-building. She is available for Circle trainings and can be reached at kaypranis@msn.com or at 651/698-9181. |
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