What is one way circles are tougher
than giving out consequences?
Powerful circles ask everyone to take RESPONSIBILITY for their choices.
When we are given a consequence for our actions by others, we can actually get away without feeling any remorse, regret, or responsibility. Instead, we often feel like a victim (“That was totally unfair”; “They don’t get it”) or righteous (“She deserved it”; “It was worth it”) or indifferent (“I don’t care”; “Doesn't bother me").
On the contrary, a powerful circle process shows us how our actions impact others - and how our choices affect the fabric of our community. Ideally, it also creates some accountability from multiple people who were involved in the conflict and helped create conditions for it to happen.
How much responsibility taking is happening in the process you use right now? How might a community-owned dialogue circle process shift things?
