Wow 2020 was a year of surprises, challenges, reckonings and opportunities.
At Peace of the Circle, we had a very active year! Offering you highlights as well as inspiration and resources. And acknowledging our wonderful hosts and partners.
Grateful to connect with you and optimistic about the possibilities that lay ahead for us to co-create. The world requires us peacemakers and change agents more than ever!
Reconciliation
We are in an era of decolonization and anti-racism.
We’re thrilled to offer reconciliation workshops in partnership with Elder Phil L’Hirondelle, All My Relations Teachings. Contact us if interested!
We have a lot more to do toward truth, reconciliation and honouring the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. Join us in responding to the 94 Calls to Action; learn more at the Canadian National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Move forward using the most comprehensive international instrument – the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Let’s uplift each other as we respect the dignity and human rights of all.
What’s your home area doing to create respectful, harmonious relations?
Immigrant Services Society
Co-facilitators Phil L’Hirondelle and Evelyn Zellerer provided workshops with incredibly diverse groups of settlement staff with Immigrant Services Society (ISS of BC). We engaged with each other about deep topics and are inspired by experiences from cultures around the world. A special acknowledgment of our wonderful colleague and host Dr. Raj Khadka.
Restorative Justice
We are delighted to continue developing, training and mentoring restorative justice programs.
Welcoming two more amazing groups into our Circle family:
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- Youth Restorative Justice Program, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Okanagan, Kelowna, BC:
Their RJ program is expanding to implement peace circles with youth and families. Congratulations to a powerful new team for completing the first two levels of training thus far – The Fundamentals and Deeper Dive with Dr. Evelyn Zellerer. A heartfelt thank you to program coordinator Meghan Ramsay, and their new partner Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society.
When we had a brief reprieve from covid restrictions, a fabulous community group was able to complete The Fundamentals training with Dr Evelyn Zellerer. Thank you Jim Peacock and the steering committee for hosting us on beautiful Pender Island. Inspired by what you are already implementing on the islands! Looking forward to our continued learning.
Building Partnerships for Restorative Justice in Vancouver
Peace of the Circle, in collaboration with Just Outcomes, are advancing restorative justice in Vancouver! We’re currently reaching out to a wide range of stakeholders to form a task group. Stay tuned about this exiting initiative, funded through a grant from Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General BC.
RJ World 2020
Peace of the Circle was a proud co-sponsor of RJWorld 2020 eConference, a fabulous global showcase of diverse presenters and topics.
International Restorative Justice Week
We celebrate International Restorative Justice Week each third week of November. Read our posts: Restorative Justice Week & Beyond and International Restorative Justice Week 2020.
This year we participated online in a fantastic Canadian National Restorative Justice Symposium. Stay tuned – this year’s symposium is to be in Vancouver, BC, or else we go virtual again!
Nepal
Grateful to continue working with The Asia Foundation and to have such a fabulous team in Kathmandu!
Although we have not yet been able to return to Nepal, we appreciate being able to facilitate virtual workshops with dialogue facilitators from across the country.
Dr Evelyn Zellerer is also working with colleague Ram Tiwari on a sustainability project for community-based peacebuilding.
Schools
Frontline workers include educators, who are also being greatly challenged during the pandemic. Thanking educators who are making a difference in the lives of so many, and acknowledging parents and caregivers who are homeschooling.
Earlier in the year, we had the opportunity to further connect with the amazing Sea to Sky School District team for follow-up training.
Education, like other institutions, require change moving forward. Read our post with tons of resources – Education: Time for Change.
Facilitation
In addition to training, we offer facilitation services for a wide range of groups, issues and conflicts. We work with families, communities, workplaces, justice systems and government.
Conflict generates energy and is an opportunity to learn, heal, and transform. Contact us for a free consult.
NGOs & Community
This year we facilitated staff changes and issues for two nonprofits. Change is inevitable, and often uncomfortable. Being seen and heard is powerful, as is collectively determining what is required. Thanking all staff who pour your hearts into your work.
We are pleased to support people and organizations through challenging times and transitions.
Virtual Circles
We’re taking our processes online and seeing extraordinary results!
We’re facilitating all kinds of virtual circles, including for conflict resolution, in workplaces, and to connect with those who take training with us.
The vast majority of our work is through private contracts and hosting. Contact us if you are interested in hosting, facilitation or training.
Stay tuned for more invitations to virtual circles & courses!
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A great resource, Online Support Circles, is available with gratitude from our colleague and friend Kay Pranis, Living Justice Press. |
Resources & Inspiration
May you be educated, inspired and uplifted:
Indigenous Teachings & Leadership
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- Indigenous Justice Association – created in 2019 to promote the vital work of Indigenous justice programs throughout British Columbia. We were honoured to participate in their AGM.
- We Matter – Indigenous youth-led, national organization. Indigenous role models, youth, and community members from across Canada submit short videos, written and artistic messages.
- Check out this summary of 15 Indigenous Human Rights Organizations and the Center for World Indigenous Studies, an independent global community of indigenous studies activists and scholars.
Black Lives Matter
Get educated, learn about the movement and do your part to eliminate racism of all forms, including within ourselves. There are tons of resources, like:
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- “How To Be An Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
- “I’m black. I’m a peacebuilder. I want your help” – Jessica Murrey, Search for Common Ground, offers advice for allies and peacebuilders
Documentaries
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- David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet – reflecting on human’s devastating impact on nature, offering solutions with a message of hope
- Films For Action – check out this collection of 100 documentaries to inspire transformative change personally and globally. Also these 75 films and articles touch on the “new story revolution” exploring a new frontier in human consciousness, interconnections, and being of service
Podcasts
There are so many great ones! What do you recommend?
Offering a couple:
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- The F Word – examining the complex, messy subject of forgiveness. Hosted by Marina Cantacuzino, an award winning journalist and founder of The Forgiveness Project
- Restorative Justice on the Rise, with host Molly Rowan Leach
- “Mural of Social Change” – recording of a radio play by Renae Morriseau, produced by the Vancouver Association for Restorative Justice
News
Be open, get informed and trust your own awareness.
Include positive, uplifting news. In spite of the pandemic, there are lots of things to celebrate every day! For example:
Art and Artists
Support and be transformed by art.
There are limitless ways artists are contributing!
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- Check out this directory from the International Centre of Art for Social Change
- “Art in times of coronavirus – 100 inspiring quotes on World Art Day 2020″
Music
The world also needs music. What do you listen to?
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- A beautiful, uplifting rendition of “What the World Needs Now” by Burt Bacharach, Lyrics by Hal David. With thanks from Shelbie Rassler and Boston Conservatory at Berklee at Berklee College of Music
Humour
Laughter is medicine!
An inspiring short video from New Zealand – a message from the future, beckoning to us to create:
“The systems that shape our lives are ours to create and ours to change.”
Together we can create anything.
Stay Connected
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Feel free to make requests & share your news with us!
Together we are creating a more just, peaceful, kinder world for all.