13 Guiding Principles for Circles

1. Circles call us to act on our personal values

2.  Circles include all interests

3.  Circles are easily accessible to all

4.  Circles offer everyone an equal opportunity to participate

5.  Involvement in Circles is voluntary

6.  In Circles, everyone participates directly as themselves

7.  Circles are guided by a shared vision

8.  Circles are designed by those who use them

9.  Circles are flexible in accommodating unique needs and interests

10. Circles take a holistic approach

11. Circles maintain respect for all

12. Circles invite spiritual presence

13. Circles foster accountability to others and to the process

For more information about Circles, contact Patty Kemper at 307-655-2397 or e-mail her at pattykemper3@yahoo.com .

Educators focus during Circle Training '04

Circle participants gather with trainers Jaime Williams (second from left) and Oscar Reed (right)

The following materials are great resources for more information on keeping Circle:                   

Baldwin, Christina.  Calling the Circle:  The First and Future Culture.  (Amazon.com) $10.40.

Pranis, Kay, et al.  Peacemaking Circles:  From Crime to Community.  (Amazon.com) $15.00.

Spring, Cindy and Garfield, Charles.  Wisdom Circles:  A Guide to Self Discovery and Community Building in Small Groups.  (Amazon.com)  $10.36.

Zimmerman, Jack and Coyle, Virginia.  The Way of Council.  (Amazon.com)  $11.02.