SHiFT Circles  _____________________________________________________

Facilitator: Earl McGovern

The SHiFT Circle Process

Led by experienced facilitators, SHiFT Circles provide a 1½ hour format for everyone to be heard in small groups of no more than a dozen people. 

SHiFT Circles are guided by beliefs about how knowledge is created that may be different from those held in formal education settings.

• Everyone is a teacher; everyone is a learner.
• Knowledge from lived experience is valid knowledge; all members bring valuable perspectives
• Discussion emerges from the interests, needs and conversation of the group
• Participants respect the confidential nature of personal details shared by group members  

There are three elements of discussion that are repeated through the course of each SHiFT Circle:

• Question. The facilitator asks a question that meets the group where it is and leads it to new learning, taking account of each member’s experience
• Circle go-round.  Beginning with a volunteer, everyone has a chance to respond to the question (3-5 minutes) or to pass.  Other participants hold comments until after everyone has spoken. After each has had a chance to speak, the facilitator asks those who passed if they wish to speak
• Cross talk. opens space for conversation. Participants can ask others to elaborate on their stories, identify themes, or explore similarities

As the session ends, the facilitator can help the group name insights or new learning. The group can suggest topics they wish to explore further.

Next Steps

Members: Click here to register for the next Circle Series. 
Non-Members: Click here to register and pay in advance.

Note: SHiFT Circles are held at various locations around the Twin Cities.  For the location of the next series, see the Events page.