Our communities need opportunities to process the personal and collective impact of emotionally charged events. From the effects of racism to war and natural disasters, we seek healthy forums in which to express our feelings and truly hear one another.

Listening Circles provide people an opportunity to speak and listen to each other in an atmosphere of safety and equality. Listening circles emphasize storytelling for cultivating empathy. To help people gain a shared sense of understanding and emotional connection, these circles are used in faith communities, neighborhoods, schools, universities and families.

In these circles of healing, participants should stick to personal feelings and experiences, not presenting political views or addressing other people’s views/experiences. In a circle, there is never cross talk or defense of views, no debate or preaching.

We held our first Listening Circle via zoom on the violence in Gaza on March 13 and are seeking suggestions for more Listening Circle topics to call a circle on May 26th in Dodd Hall from 12-2pm. What is heavy on your heart? What feelings do you need share and hear?

Please reach out to Dr. Whitney Howarth here, Restorative Practitioner and Listening Circle Facilitator, if you are interested to learn more or have a suggested topic for our community. All ideas are welcome! We are happy to host another Circle on the war in Israel and are open to new ideas, as well. We’ll be hosting more circles this summer and in the fall, in-person and on zoom.

Add event to calendar: Apple  Google  Office 365  Outlook  Outlook.com  Yahoo