Each Talking Circle session is 2 hours or less and is designed to support and uplift the self-confidence, self-worth and general satisfaction of the targeted age categories: 6 to 10, 11 to 13, 14 to 17 and 18 to 25 years of age. Issues that may come up will be germane to this age group and may include youth topics such as: mental health, proper nutrition, social media use/misuse, bullying, substance use/misuse, transitional changes in puberty, family/community challenges and life style readjustments post Covid. Each talking circle can be offered onsite and remotely.

Objectives:

  • Increase confidence, self esteem and well-being in the targeted audience of 11 to 14 years of age
  • Create a safe environment in which participants can share their points of view and feel respected
  • Understanding and connecting each other so that we can have a better sense of inclusion

Curriculum:

UNESCO BMW uses the time tested platform of the Talking Circle as follows:

  • Participants sit in a circle. The circle symbolizes completeness
  • Review ground rules with participants. For example:
    • Everyone’s contribution is equally important
    • State what you feel or believe starting with ‘I-statements,’ e.g., ‘I feel …’
    • What is said in the circle stays in the circle
  • A stick is used as a talking object
  • When the talking object is placed in someone’s hands, it is that person’s turn to share his or her thoughts, without interruption. The stick is then passed to the next person in a clockwise direction
  • Whoever is holding the stick has the right to speak and others have the responsibility to listen
  • Everyone else is listening in a non-judgmental way to what the speaker is saying.
  • Silence is an acceptable response. There must be no negative reactions to the phrase, “I pass”
  • Speakers should feel free to express themselves in any way that is comfortable such as by sharing a story, a personal experience, and so on.
  • After all has been expressed by the participants, we offer all our topics to the center of the circle with a short meditation clearing session.