THE CIRCLE WAY AUSTRALIA

Our deepest belief has been that careful dialogue, with a question or intention in the center, agreements for speaking and listening at the rim, and a light social structure for leadership can change how people work, live, and govern themselves.

~ Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea

We are in charge of how we meet together.

Chairs and tables do not have to be bolted to the floor in long rows facing a speakers platform.

If our current ways of interacting, speaking, listening and decision-making are not working, we can claim another form of interaction.

THE CIRCLE IS AN ANCIENT DIALOGUE PRACTICE
THAT CAN ASSIST US TODAY TO ENGAGE IN
HIGH QUALITY CONVERSATIONS

This Circle Way Practicum is a residential retreat based on the book The Circle Way, A Leader in Every Chair by Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea.

Together we will explore what is The Circle Way and how it works – the agreements, principles and practices that give it strength, practice circle participation and hosting, apply circle infrastructure to real and challenging situations in work or personal life, learn how circle can be used as a primary organizational operating system, and discover how understanding The Circle Way can take your hosting of other participatory processes such as World Cafe and Open Space Technology to a much deeper place.

I cannot speak highly enough of the spaciousness and opportunity for deep learning and personal insight that came with a well hosted five day retreat over six days. Our hosting team of Amanda, Tenneson and Penny were gentle, clear and conscious in all their teaching and sharing. The practicum spaciousness really gave opportunity for ideas and thoughts to become embodied through experience, practice and time. I arrived at the Circle Way practicum a curious learner with what I felt was some solid experiences in hosting circle in a variety of spaces, I left the practicum even more curious and ready to practice circle in new and deeper ways. I had some delightful and deeply personal reflections and the light was certainly shone onto at least two of my blind spots. Grateful for this opportunity, I would recommend it for anyone who hosts circle in any context and I would love the opportunity to attend again as you can never stop learning and deepening your practice.
~ Michelle Crozier, Co-founder and Core Team, Campfire Coop

MEET YOUR HOSTS

WHO IS INVITED

Everyone who cares for the quality of conversations and the quality of relationships is warmly welcome to attend. This circle practice particularly supports people...

Who are ready to discover a new culture of communication in organizations,
Who are looking for better team solutions and for the capacity to allow collective intelligence to emerge,
Who are willing to explore the “Leader in Every Chair” approach in order to achieve more commitment, ownership, joy and sustainable solutions and decisions,
Who work as leaders, managers, supervisors, project leaders, youth leaders, educators, board members, youth and family workers, faith leaders, organizational developers, and those working in fields such as health care, government, the social sector, education, organizations, healing and trauma work, parent groups, restorative justice, social innovation and corporate teams.

Previous experience in group facilitation and leadership is helpful.

The Circle Way practicum was an opportunity to deepen and focus my practice of using Circle in my professional and personal life. I came away with a much deeper respect for the power of Circle and expansion of my own capacity to host and participate well in Circle. The experience was nourishing and challenging, and the teaching and hosting beautiful, clear and generous. We were offered space and gentle, thoughtful support to work through whatever came up. There was a great sense of acceptance and strong hosting of the dynamics that arose. It was an unforgettable experience, and the intention I set at the conclusion of the practicum - to elevate the practice of Circle in my life and community - has been of great benefit to me and the people I live and work with. If your work or your life offers opportunities for working in deep exploration and co-creation with others, I recommend this practicum to you. I would come again without hesitation, but want there to be space for you to be there, so please don't wait!
~ Jane Geltch, Purpose Partners

LOCATION

This is a residential retreat hosted at Welcome to the BIG House, nestled in the serene Noosa Hinterland on the Sunshine Coast. The expansive deck with stunning rural views encourages relaxation, rest and contemplation. Accomodation is shared.

Here is some information on getting to the BIG House.

Nourishing food is either grown onsite in their vegetable garden or sourced from local growers to ensure fresh seasonal produce.

Also, massage therapists will be available for massage in the free time during the workshop. Sessions are self-pay. More information is here.

With thanks to Welcome to the BIG House for many of the beautiful photos we've used on this website.

I knew this work was closely linked to how I envisage working - and now I know why! I really appreciate being able to experience this work in such a beautiful space. Also, the value of meeting like-minded others was extraordinarily in this environment. I was really struck by how aligned our values were, under-pinning the choices we make in our lives. In the connections I have made during this experience, I feel I've made valuable friendships and a support network which will only enhance collaboration and value adding. It was a real treat to have Amanda, Tenneson and Penny guiding and supporting us throughout this practicum. Penny's drive to bring The Circle Way to Australia is appreciated and it plants the seed to bring benefit to our communities and organisations.
~ Carolyn Ball

SCHEDULE

19 June: We begin with dinner at 5:00pm and our opening evening council

20 to 23 June: Full day programs with spacious breaks and some evening programming

24 June: A morning program with our closing circle concluding by 12 noon

The number of days is deliberately chosen to encourage retreat, deep learning,
and a lasting integration of circle applied to your respective work.

PROGRAM

Our program includes:

The different components of circle practice that help create a strong container for our stories and important conversations.
How circle works – the principles, practices and agreements.
How to create conditions for better listening and intentional speaking.
How to apply various aspects of circle process to enhance our conversations and meetings.
Our own hosting in small circles with real questions and issues.
Working with energetics, shadow, conflict and sustaining healthy circles.
The special contributions of story and appreciation in circle.
The capacity of circle that allows collective intelligence to emerge, and how the “leader in every chair” approach can achieve more commitment, ownership, joy and sustainable solutions and decisions.

Also, massage therapists will be available for massage in the free time during the workshop. Sessions are self-pay. More information is here.

The Circle Way Practicum was one of those life changing experiences I didn't know I needed! It was a profound, impactful and delicious five days. Taking time out of the everyday can feel like a luxury few of us can afford! Yet since attending, I have connected more deliberately with my own circle practice through having had an opportunity to understand myself better in the context of building and being in community. The ripple effect has also included ongoing personal and professional relationships. The ability to be accepted fully and to be seen and to see others authentically is both an art and a skill, one which Tenneson and Amanda possess in bucket loads! ~ Jan Ungerer, Facilitator, Coach, Presenter

COSTS

Early bird extended: $1,790 AU (includes meals and lodging)

Early bird non-residential extended: $1,460 AU (includes some meals, no lodging)

Early bird group rate (2 or more) extended: $1,690 AU per person (includes meals and lodging)

Some grants are available, with priority for self-identified Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour under 30 (ish).
Please contact us.

Generosity circle: if you can offer a little more to support others who are unable to pay the full tuition, please let us know.

Cancellation policy: If you cancel more than 30 days before the practicum begins, we will return your payment minus a $100 administrative charge. If you cancel within 30 days of the practicum start date, any refund is contingent upon our ability to fill your space in the practicum.