The Circle Way — Putting Equity and Justice in the Center

The Circle Way unequivocally affirms the essential practice of turning to one another to uphold racial, ethnic, gender, disability, economic, and environmental justice. We can imagine a different way.

 
 
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What is The Circle Way?

  • A way of being in the world

  • A structure for deep conversation and wise outcomes

  • A methodology founded by Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea in 1992

  • A growing movement of global practice

What is The Circle Way process?

The Circle Way gathers people into a circular shape with participants at the rim and the purpose in the centre. Each person has a voice and everyone can see and hear one another. Social agreements and practices help facilitate respectful conversation. Circle supports a leader in every chair.

If you’re new to The Circle Way, start here for a more in-depth description. Read the book, access resources, find out where you can take training, and meet the people doing the training. Don’t be afraid to try this at home!

Will The Circle Way work where I work?

Even within hierarchy, The Circle Way works. Bringing people from all levels to sit as co-leaders in the circle leads to wise decisions and actions. Circle practice is highly successful in business environments, non-profits/NGOs, community organizations, schools, universities, and faith communities.

Will The Circle Way work where I live?

The Circle Way provides a slightly more formalized conversation process when people need to speak and listen to one another carefully. Circle assists families, friends, and communities in moments of transition and life celebrations. Circle deepens communication of the heart.

How is The Circle Way being used?

Discover stories about how people are using The Circle Way and adapting its practices to their environments. Learn from community builders in Zimbabwe, teachers in Canada, leadership consultants in Germany, nuns in the United States, and many others.

If you find these resources valuable please consider donating. 

We invite you to contribute to the work of growing The Circle Way around the world.

A monthly recurring donation, from the cost of one cup of coffee to a week's worth, helps us maintain this website and resources, as well as enable more people to apply The Circle Way trainings to their respective communities and organizations around the world. An immediate gift is also welcome.