An 8-month Journey for Community Conveners
This program will run from Oct 2026-May 2027
Many of us feel a deep pull toward regular, meaningful community connection but aren't quite sure how to create it—or how to make it last. We crave a "village," yet the logistics of organizing one and the social anxiety of leading it can feel like significant barriers.
This eight-month immersion is designed for those who want to move from "thinking about" starting a group to actually convening one. This is a down-to-earth, practice-based program for people who want to facilitate connection in their neighborhoods, families, or peer groups. Whether you want to start a women’s circle, mother’s circle, queer parenting group, or a monthly gathering of friends, you will leave this program with the confidence and the tools to hold a steady, welcoming space.
By meeting over this extended eight-month timeline, you move beyond the surface-level "workshop" experience. You will witness the natural life cycle of a group as it forms, and experience the rhythm of the circle as it becomes a steady, monthly anchor that allows for meaningful growth and integration.
Program Structure
Our journey is anchored by two 4-hour sessions in October and May. We will begin in October with the foundations of circle, and the slow work of getting to know one another. We will finish in May with reflection on and celebration of our journey together.
Between these bookends, we will meet in-person for monthly 2-hour Sunday Circles. These circles will build our rapport as a learning community, and stoke your enthusiasm for gathering in community. In the second half of the program, these Sunday Circles become your practice ground—a low-stakes, supportive environment where you can experiment with your unique facilitation voice and lead a short circle of your own design.
We will also hold four online Learning Labs sprinkled throughout the program. In these interactive zoom sessions, we’ll get into the practical "how-to" of both circle facilitation and organization, moving beyond theory into the logistics of making a circle happen. These sessions will deepen your understanding of different circle formats, and how to design and evolve the format to serve the purpose of your unique circle. You’ll be guided through the initial steps of crafting your circle invitation, through to creating a collective vision and sharing circle leadership. We’ll address the tricky parts of convening a circle; deciding who to include/exclude, navigating conflict and sustaining the spark of the circle over time.
*Note: This program has a strict maximum of 12 spots. If there is a lot of interest in this program, we may open a second course, with a similar time frame. If you are certain you want to do this program, please fill out this short form. It will help us plan ahead.
Learn more about our Leading Circles Training at an Online Info Session with Emma. Bring your questions about circle formation, facilitation, and hear more about the intentional structure behind this eight month program.
Join the info session on June 22PROGRAM DATES
Sunday Oct 4 - Opening Session, 1-3pm & 3:30-5:30pm
Sunday Nov 1 - Circle, 1-3pm
Monday Nov 16 - Online Learning Lab, 7:30-9pm
Sunday Dec 6 - Circle, 1-3pm
Sunday Jan 10 - Circle, 1-3pm
Monday Jan 25 - Online Learning Lab, 7:30-9pm
Sunday Feb 7 - Participant-led Circles, 1-3pm
Monday Feb 22 - Online Learning Lab, 7:30-9pm
Sunday Mar 7 - Circle, 1-3pm
Sunday April 11 - Participant-led Circles, 1-3pm
Monday April 19 - Online Learning Lab, 7:30-9pm
Sunday May 2 - Participant-led Circles, 1-3pm
Sunday May 30 - Closing Session, 1-3pm & 3:30-5:30pm
Learning lab topics will include:
- Intro to Circle Facilitation & Forms
- Circle Logistics + Finding/Inviting People to a Circle
- How to share leadership + Create a group vision
- Asking great questions to serve your group’s purpose
- Designing the right form for your Circle
- Circle Maintenance: conflict, changes, keeping the spark alive
PROGRAM COST
The cost of this program is $725+hst.
1-2 spots will be available at a Subsidized Bursary Rate of $600. This is intended for racialized, disabled, transgender folks, as well as those with low incomes. Please contact us if you would like to discuss one of our bursary spots.
For those who have the financial means to contribute to our bursary, you can enroll for this program at our Community Supporter Rate of $825.
With notice of 60 days or longer: 100% studio credit -or- 75% refund of the total value of the program which has been paid or is due.
With notice of 60 days to 30 days in advance: 60% studio credit -or- 50% refund of the total value of the program which has been paid or is due.
No credit or refunds will be given for less than 30 days notice. If your spot can be filled from a waitlist, a 50% studio credit will be given.
As we anticipate interest may be high for this program, it will be first come, first served. Registration for this program will open at 12 noon on Monday June 29.
Email me when registration opensMEET YOUR FACILITATOR, EMMA DINES
Emma has been participating in and leading circles in a range of contexts for the last 15 years. Her approach to circle facilitation is informed by the Living Room Context, The Findhorn Foundation Ecovillage, Conversation Cafe, The Ojai Foundation’s Way of Council and Jean Shinoda-Bolen’s book “The Millionth Circle”. Emma is a co-director and lead teacher at The Branches. She looks forward to sharing her experience and supporting your leadership in community.
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