Peace Circles Prepare To Launch –
Exciting things have been happening behind the scenes at the Hastings Sunrise CPC! We are preparing to launch a new restorative justice program to help resolve conflict in the community through restorative practice.
The program, Bridging Divides, is using Peace Circles to bring people together, gain understanding, resolve issues, heal and build relationships. Peace Circles can be used in workplace and neighbour disputes, community building, cultural and social dialogues, and much more.
The facilitators, called peacemakers, are trained to thoughtfully guide and work with community members as they participate in the circle process through the stages of suitability, preparation, gathering and follow up. The peacemakers have refined their skills by facilitating dialogue circles with various groups in Hastings Sunrise, for example exploring what a peaceful community looks like, and how local organizations can collaborate more successfully.
“It has been such an insightful journey, learning more about how to design an inclusive process where participants feel safe and supported to share their concerns in a dialogue that focuses on healing and finding consensus, rather than placing blame or punishment,” says Tommy Luong, a peacemaker and HSCPC board president.