Why Circles of Change?

Our purpose is to cultivate peace, self-determination, and more democratic institutions.

Years of experimenting and piloting have led to the development of a training program called Circles of Change to address the problem of authoritarian leadership and rote learning in Haiti. Using innovative teaching and facilitation methods such as Reflection Circles (called Touchstones in the US) and Open Space, two qualified Haitian practitioners work weekly over six months with groups of 15-25 teachers, leaders and community organizers. 

Participants develop skills in critical thinking, listening and dialogue, creative problem solving, and collaborative leadership--qualities necessary to be effective leaders at the community, regional, or national level. Hundreds of Haitians are completing the Circles of Change training each year.