CULTURAL CHANGE CULTIVATORS
Individual To Collective To Society To Individual
THEORY OF CHANGE
WE GO SLOW TO GO FAST
Harnessing the Power of Listening Through the Peacemaking Circle
At Huayruro, we are dedicated to driving cultural change in a particular way. One of our foundational methodologies for engaging in transformational work is through the Peacemaking Circle Process.
The Peacemaking Circle Process is a social technology platform rooted in the profound wisdom of indigenous traditions passed down through generations. Through this process, each individual is invited to show up as they are to do the work they need to do, while working with a collective in developing an emergent shared understanding of a topic or issue.
It models how to listen, as well as how to work on self instead of trying to change others. The use of a talking piece equalizes power in the space and assists in establishing collective guidelines creating a safe and ultimately brave space for all to then engage in difficult conversations.
THE PROCESS
The methodology works, and is very useful when it comes to challenging conversations including race, given the emotionally painful nature of the subject. To understand the Peacemaking Circle Process one needs to know a little more about the associated theory of change.
ARRIVING AT ISSUES
Explore Options and Possibility
INTRODUCTION
Get Acquainted
PEACEMAKING
CIRCLE
PROCESS
SEEKING SOLUTIONS
Decide on Action
BUILDING UNDERSTANDING & TRUST
Establish Connection and Relationship
Too often, in the United States, we move right from Step 1 to Step 3, overlooking what is perhaps the most vital Step of all: Step 2, Building a Relationship of Connection & Trust.
Without a solid relationship, the baggage each of us brings to a conversation with someone we do not know very well exacerbates the scope of the issues at hand. Therefore no solid understanding of the issues at hand truly exists, and as a result our solutions are not necessarily the best ones. So we work to build healthy relationships, which then reduces issues while helping set the conditions for collaborative solution making.
MORE LISTENING. LESS TALKING.
All of this translates into each of us doing more listening than talking. A skill that requires continual training. That is what we do in a Peacemaking Circle. We listen to the input of others, sharpen our own thoughts on a matter, and then share our new insights. When we all participate in this process the collective emergent thought is far superior to anything imaginable, allowing us to resolve many problems including conflict.
THE GOAL
The Peacemaking Circle provides safe spaces for dialogue, promoting deep listening, and fostering understanding, and enables the germination of these seeds, fostering a fertile ground for positive change to take root. Huayruro seeks to spread, plant, and share seeds of change. Through our programs, workshops, and initiatives that all include the Peacemaking Circle, we aim to sow the seeds of healing, growth, and transformation within individuals, collectives, and society.
