This academic year was challenging. In my Psychology of Women & Gender class, students appeared angry, tired, and ill-equipped to engage in controversial conversations. Topics that were particularly challenging were ones about racism, the violence in Israel and Palestine, and the increase in anti-trans legislation.
Recognizing that I wanted to teach skills that could help facilitate productive dialogue, I collaborated with several colleagues in student life, including our college chaplain, the director of Prevention Education, and the coordinator of our Title IX office, to facilitate listening circles. In lieu of a formal class, we invited 3 classes that focused on social justice issues to meet in a large student meeting space to engage in listening circles. In total, we had a little over 60 students participate.
Listening circles are intentionally structured so that students can have an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings without interruption. The purpose is listening, storytelling, and connecting. It is not a discussion, nor is it a debate. In this way, students can learn active listening skills, an important component of interpersonal learning.
Listening circles have been happening in many forms in indigenous communities all over the world. The process we decided to use was based on material developed from the International Institute for Restorative Practices. They credit this design to the Maori People of New Zealand.
Below is the listening circle script we used. For this session, we agreed to focus the topic on the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Although it seems formal, facilitators (myself included) stuck to the script below. Prior to beginning, each student joined a small circle group of 6 (plus the faculty/staff facilitator).
Preamble
Hello, (as you may know) my name is Kate, and I will be facilitating this listening circle. The purpose of this circle is to provide an opportunity for people to express their thoughts and feelings about the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This is a sharing with the purpose of listening, sharing, and connecting. It is not a discussion, nor is it a debate.
Some of what we are doing may seem quite formal, and it is. The reason for this is to ensure everyone is free to respond to the questions without being interrupted or asked to explain themselves. Each of us is being invited to speak and to respectfully listen. I will be facilitating this process as well as participating in it.
This session may be difficult for some, and you may have an unexpected strong reaction. Please remember this is not a therapy session. I encourage you to utilize your support outside of this circle, including our counseling services.
Agreements
Here are our community agreements:
- Share what you feel comfortable sharing
- Listen to the person speaking
- You can pass at anytime
- Be mindful of time
- Respect the privacy of those sharing
- Speak in the “I” perspective
Does anyone need clarification on the agreements? Are there any agreements the group would like to add? (Add new agreements, if necessary)
I will take some notes during the process of themes that are emerging. When we are done answering the questions, we will decide as a circle which themes, wisdom, or gifts we will share with the large group.
Circle Questions
Answer the following questions in 4 rounds:
- What is your name, where are you from, and what brought you to this circle?
- What have you been thinking and feeling as you consider how the Dobbs decision has changed the landscape of reproductive health options?
- What has been the hardest thing for you?
- What is the most important thing for you to do moving forward and/or what do you need after today’s listening circle?
Reflection of Themes (planned process, but not scripted text)
I (as the facilitator) took notes of the themes and wisdom that emerged within the circle. Prior to joining the larger group, I reflected back to the group what I heard and asked if it was an accurate description. I allowed space for participants to add or clarify the main themes. I also asked everyone if they were comfortable with what I planned to share with the larger group. Once we joined the larger group, I shared our themes, and we collectively listened to the other groups themes.
The whole process took about an hour and half, and overwhelmingly, students found the experience helpful. They appreciated the opportunity to share and found the formal structure reduced anxiety. Interestingly, students often impromptu mentioned the listening circle during our class discussions. They often would say “seek to understand” when a discussion would become heated. From the listening circle, they developed a skill in listening, even during times of clear disagreement.