Juniors Engage in Group Communication Activity

Juniors participated in Talking Circles, a first step in an initiative to bring restorative justice practices to campus, on Friday, September 7.

“The Talking Circle is a structured process for organizing group communication, in which all voices are heard and given equal power,” explained Jeff Carnevale, Dean of the Class of 2020. “The activity is characterized by the use of a ‘talking piece,’ which is passed around the Circle, to regulate communication.” A talking piece is an object of significance chosen by Circle members. Whoever holds the talking piece is invited to speak, while the other participants listen to and support the speaker.
 
“Both talking and listening are vital in order to develop mutual understanding, laying the groundwork for building deeper relationships,” Mr. Carnevale added. “The basic purpose of a Talking Circle is to create a safe, judgment-free space in which everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the discussion of difficult and important issues.”
 
Afterward, juniors reported that they came away from the experience feeling as though they were authentically heard and had a better understanding of themselves and others.

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