We have started! (27th Sept 2012)

1st Circle Council Practise session at ALP

(A democratic learning community. Adult Learning Project, Tollcross Community Centre, 117 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG)

 following our plans from here:

present: Bill, Chris (for second half), Evie, Ruth, Sue

apologies: Barbara, (Rona)           

Centre setting:

Handmade round rug (spun yarn crocheted) with felted symbol (tripple spiral in yellow and 3 orcas; symbol of many things such tripple ripple, mother ocean, northern hemnisphere,  community nurturing, respecting); green alabaster candle holder from Egypt, holding rose nightlight; Sequioa  pinecone, largest plant organism on earth, tiniest seed that needs maturing in forest fires and then grows into fire-resistant barked tree tower, red wood; this pinecone comes from Dawyck, Merlindale in the Borders; original Redwood from eastern USA. These objects were brought by one person today (Ruth as first part host). (Please everyone bring something next time;-) )

Intent setting:

To find the best foundation for this block of sessions.

Evie lit candle and took on guardian role.

Tune-in text:

??? (a nice one, but Ruth cant remember !!)

Check in:

everyone glad to be here; hoping to be find best steps for foundation for sessions

Part 1: intro to Circle Way, for Sue and as refresher for all

Host had written up Circle Way basics and we went through point up point. Very satisfactory free conversation style bringing elements together to remember, share and celebrate the principles and practises of Circle.

Brief conversation as to whether in future this in depth Circle intro is needed for new folks or not. Decision made: if it is only one - this person to be briefed by one member of Circle in advance. If more folks come: to devote beginning of main Circle Session to it.

Part 2: recruitment

Chris  joins in

Host: Evie; Guardian: Bill

circle way sharing of what we thought of time/place of sessions so far:

good place; time manageable; we better stay here; the two weekly cycle makes it more attractive;

 not enough people here; how can we reach out to more: library (Bill), word of mouth (all)

Barbara and Ronan will join us later in October

add other things to next flyer: declare that is community action (it is in fact, and it might attract more peeps)

present big double sided flyer: maybe the notion of two much choice kept peeps away ?

Chris will be here at 9am to set up kettle and circle

Starting to have read the agreed choice of our book would be best

part 3: choosing book to study

Bill: host; Ruth: Guardian

the 6 books laid out in circle

round robin for each to say pros and cons they are aware of for themselves. and to list two books as their best choice, and to say why

Evie: +: Counter Power CP / 4 Horsemen (comprehensive manual)

Chris:. no to CP (to easy to read), yes to D2C (start change with us) and the 4HM (in depth packed)

Sue: D2C (hasn't looked into others) and see advantages in it having e-copies and author can be invited

Ruth: not CP, D2C, Agenda for new economy, then 4 horsemen (looks for both help in understanding current system and been given nutshell compact set of points looking at everything that needs to change)

Bill: not CP; the 4 horse men, D2C

choice: Dare to Care to start with; then the 4HM

Ruth to get in touch with Louis to see how to get hold of e-copy

check out:

everybody amazed as to how easy choosing was; reflecting on the power of deep listening and visible intent setting; consensus on wanting to study a book that gave them tools to help change system

round off: Bill's song ;-)

coffee in the new Forest Cafe! (at Toll Cross)

Next session planning:

still to be done:

                determine host and guardian

                create oaablog platform for both private team space (plan sessions)
Homework: Reading the first Part of Dare to Care (up to page 46)
                     and bring something along that can contribute to the Centre Piece to represent our intent:
Intent:  to practise Circle Council  by studying Dare to Care