Since 2018, KCDRC has brought peer mediation and restorative practices to Showalter Middle School and Foster High School. While many exciting happenings occurred in the 2023-2024 school year, the facilitation of “circles” stands out amongst them as a new and invigorating experience.
After talking to several staff members and participating regularly in the community, Fergie (KCDRC Youth Development Coordinator) and others began hearing more and more stories of conflict happening in spaces where it hadn’t occurred before. Most notably, in the multicultural learner space due to language and cultural differences, as well as a lack of resources for students. After hearing these stories, all parties involved felt compelled to take action and the concept of “circles” as an alternative conflict resolution arose.
Sharing circles have been a staple of Indigenous cultures for centuries, providing a space for individuals to come together, share their experiences, and connect with each other. Circle training, already familiar to some staff members, offers a holistic approach to conflict resolution, empowering staff members to facilitate meaningful dialogue and ultimately, bring back this training to utilize in their classrooms with students.
After a 3-month planning period, the circle practices training took place. Fergie, KCDRC Youth Development Coordinator, remembers the overwhelming feeling of gratitude from everyone involved. Staff at both Foster High School and Showalter Middle school are looking forward to utilizing this practice in their classrooms. KCDRC is looking forward to more training in the future!
Finally, a big thank you to Huayruro for their partnership and support on this training. In the realm of community building, partnerships often serve as the cornerstone for impactful change. Such is the case with Huayruro, a partnership that embodies generosity, dedication, and a shared commitment to addressing community conflicts.
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