IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom at the Vineyard Church
Circle Processes can be used for effective group communication, building community, making decisions, resolving conflict and providing a path forward after harm between people. They create a safe space for all voices and encourage each participant to step in the direction of their best self. They can be used everywhere: in schools, in the workplace, in the community, and in our criminal justice system. In this class you will learn what a circle process looks like, and different ways it can be used. In the second part of the class, we will create a Peacemaking Circle to discuss our values and feelings around conflict, safety, and responding to harm. Kathie Gourlay holds an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. She is a retired Washtenaw Community College instructor who is passionate about criminal justice reform. Kathie volunteers with the American Friends Service Committee and Friends of Restorative Justice of Washtenaw County. Carolyn Madden has an M.A. in linguistics from the City University of New York and a J.D. degree from Wayne State University. She is a retired lecturer from the University of Michigan and is a member of Friends of Restorative Justice of Washtenaw County and the League of Women Voters.
