How to Start a Resilience Circle October 23, 2012 Sarah Byrnes & Thomas Atwood.

How to Start a Resilience Circle

October 23, 2012Sarah Byrnes & Thomas Atwood


The Situation:

Americans have become increasingly isolated.

Mainstream culture encourages us to be cut-off from each other, relying on money, corporate products, and screen time to fill our needs.

Even as activists, we often act as individuals rather than in community.


What is a success story from your own life?


Every success story is a community success story.

See Chuck Collins’ TED Talk

http://bit.ly/rqe6At

http://bit.ly/rqe6At


Why Go Against the Grain? Why Form Community?

Provide a supportive space for people to speak openly about their personal lives




It’s fun!




It’s fun!

Caring socialization is a prerequisite to positive action




It’s fun!


To undermine consolidated power; create power at the local level




It’s fun!


To undermine consolidated power; create power at the local level

To build up local, sustainable economies that are in harmony with the earth


“Communities are human systems given form by conversations that build relatedness. The conversations that build relatedness most often occur through associational life, where citizens show up by choice.

“The small group is the unit of transformation and the container for the experience of belonging. The power of the small group cannot be overemphasized. Something almost mystical, certainly mysterious, occurs when citizens sit in a small group, for they often become more authentic and personal with each other there than in other settings.”

- Peter Block, “Community: The Structure of Belonging”


Two Small Group Approaches

Resilience Circles – Use/adapt a seven-session curriculum focused on mutual aid and building an economy that works for everyone in harmony with the planet

Affinity Groups – A small group of people who support each other and work together to change the world. Often embedded in a larger social movement or campaign


Poll: What kind of small group do you want to organize or join?

Resilience Circle

Affinity Group

Other

Not Sure


Poll: What is your current involvement with a small group?


FAQ for Organizers

Number of participants

Timing

Food

Geographic Area

Cost

Longevity


INGREDIENTS:

1. Find a Space and Dates to Meet

2. Find People!

A. Find an Organizing Partner

B. Grow Your Group

C. Find a Facilitator


Find People: COMMUNICATION

Using the “One-to-One”


One-to-One –

A structured conversation where you authentically share your story with another person and listen to theirs. Based on your commonalities, you invite the person to work together.


One-to-One –

1. Tell your story.


One-to-One –

1. Tell your story.

2. Listen.


One-to-One –

1. Tell your story.

2. Listen.

3. What are your common concerns? Why should you work together?


One-to-One –

1. Tell your story.

2. Listen.


4. Here is how we can work together: _______.


One-to-One –

1. Tell your story.

2. Listen.


4. Here is how we can work together: _______.

5. Expect push-back!


Assumption

Whomever you speak with, you will find some commonality with them.

Benefits

1. If you make any kind of connection, you have created community in a small way, even if you do not immediately work with this person.

2. You will enhance your story-telling and listening skills by engaging in these kinds of conversations.


“A student once asked Cesar Chavez how he organized. He said, “First, I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” “No,” said the student, “how do you organize?” Chavez answered, “First I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.”

“You get the point. Talking… builds community and can inspire others to action.”

- The Story of Stuff website, StoryOfStuff.org


Your First Meeting

Be welcoming! Say hello to people as they enter

Provide food or snacks if possible

Be participatory; allow folks to get used to talking to the group

Use name tags

Facilitation Tips: http://localcircles.org/2010/01/24/facilitate-a-circle

http://localcircles.org/2010/01/24/facilitate-a-circle

http://localcircles.org/2010/01/24/facilitate-a-circle


Your First Meeting: Affinity Groups

A Guide to Your Affinity Group’s First Meeting: http://bit.ly/Lenede

Get to know each other

Talk about what interests you

Plan next steps

http://bit.ly/Lenede


Your First Meeting: Resilience Circles

Using the Resilience Circle Introductory Session

90-minute agenda designed to introduce the idea of a Resilience Circle to others

Gives people a taste of the benefits of being in a Circle without requiring a commitment

Provides some new ideas mixed with personal sharing

See the Organizing Kit for more info & details - http://localcircles.org/organize-a-circle/

http://localcircles.org/organize-a-circle/


The Resilience Circle Curriculum

Session 1: Our Resilience Circle

Sessions 2 – 3: Change the Story

Sessions 4 - 5: Create Community

Session 6: Change the Rules

Session 7: What’s Next?


Download the Organizing Kit

http://localcircles.org/organize-a-circle

Resources for Affinity Groups

http://localcircles.org/?p=4911

http://localcircles.org/organize-a-circle

http://localcircles.org/?p=4911


Sarah Byrnes

617.477.8630 x307

[email protected]

http://localcircles.org

How to Start a Resilience Circle October 23, 2012 Sarah Byrnes & Thomas Atwood.

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Transcript of How to Start a Resilience Circle October 23, 2012 Sarah Byrnes & Thomas Atwood.