Since 2018 it has been my joyful privilege to circle keep for and with Education Minnesota and their intentional racial equity work. Whether with the Racial Equity Advocate yearly cohorts or internal staff fully dedicated to their work as anti-racist union leaders, our circle time has been abundant in play, empathy, and mutual care for the critical, dynamic and transforming space of public education.
Gorgeous photo credit to the amazing Jonathan Kim.
Beginning in June 2017, the incomparable Nancy Riestenberg welcomed my circle keeping and restorative story to the Minnesota Department of Education’s Restorative Practice training experiences, as well as inviting my voice as a collaborative author for guiding documents of support. From foundational experiences to whole district implementation, such learning-rich time with educators, schools and districts has been energizing, enlightening and always, deeply generous.
Photo credit to Nancy (June 2019).
A complicated and aching 2020 invited a re-imagining of circle practice to virtual spaces of fallible and vitally connecting Zoom and Google windows. As organizations continue to innovate for remote and hybrid work, virtual circles bridge an expanded office geography to build healthy relationships and community building. How grateful I am to Foster Adopt Minnesota for their dedication to monthly virtual circle spaces!
In February 2020, the beautiful leaders of Roots Community Birth Center imagined a spring restorative retreat for their incredible community. How beautiful that 2022- after much important pause- has realized those hopes and values via monthly circles amongst this remarkable group of practitioners.
Welcome, wonder & warmth
Since November 2021, it has been a joy and honor to circle with the Science Museum of Minnesota. From circles of welcome with staff new to the museum to team-centered community building, our time together has been spacious, flexible, and evolving.
Weaver Lake Elementary School has been a joyful partner in progressive, inclusive whole school implementation of restorative practices since August 2021.
Restoratively, these remarkable spaces and communities too
