Circles of Change Structure

Circles of Change helps Haitian institutions and groups with limited financial resources—schools, grassroots organizations, churches, etc.—to contract with local Open Space and Reflection Circle practitioners for training in these new and effective methods. Together, they create a Circle of Change, which is a groups of 20-25 people who meet together weekly to develop skills in teaching, collaboration and leadership. Circles of Change itself is innovative in addressing the reality of the financial needs while also avoiding structures that create dependence.

Here's how Circles of Change works:

1. Institution/group leaders become interested in Reflection Circles and Open Space and wish to create a Circle.

Practitioners have been trained, have experience in Reflection Circles and Open Space, and can train others. Using various means, including videos about Open Space and Reflection Circles in Haiti, practitioners introduce these methods to institution/group leaders.  Interested leaders then decide to pursue training for themselves and their staff/members.
2. A proposal is prepared.

The leadership of the institution/group works with a practitioner to prepare a proposal for a training program that meets their specific needs. The proposal includes a budget for materials and a stipend for the practitioner’s time.

3. Circles of Change Committee reviews the proposal.

A Circles of Change Committee reviews the proposal. Once approved, the leaders and the associated practitioner are invited to develop and sign a contract, based on the approved proposal.

4. Training is carried out, and stipends are paid.

After the Circles of Change Committee approves the contract, funds are deposited in the Fonkoze bank, training is carried out, and practitioners receive payment once the leadership of the institution/group receiving training signs off on requisitions.

5. Visit and report

A member of the Circles of Change Committee then visits with the leaders and others who participated in the training. This person writes a report and shares it with other Committee members.