Peace Learning Circles (Formerly known as Tribes) Implementation Training 

Peace Learning Circles is a social emotional learning program that is based on the Tribe Learning Communities framework. We've kept the amazing foundational elements of the process, but have revised and replaced content that may no longer reflect best practices.  Workshops will take place, virtually, on June 14, 17, 28, and July 1 from 1-5pm EST.

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More Information

Module 1: Building Strong Foundations (4 hours)

• Participants will be introduced to the research used to build the Peace Learning Circles framework.
• Participants will be guided through several inquiry activities to help assess their own understanding of SEL and any assumptions they may be bringing into the course.
• Participants will be introduced to foundational elements like the Peace Learning Circles agreements, the stages of group development, and how the process aligns with major SEL competencies.
• Facilitators will lead participants through various scenarios to practice identifying the stages of group development, and the practices that support that stage of development.
• Participants will explore the concept of Multiple Intelligences and complete a self-inventory of their own learning preferences.

Module 2:  Promoting Inclusion (4 hours)

• Participants will debrief on any application of concepts or reflections that they completed since the last course meeting.
• Participants will explore the role that personal and community identity plays in creating an inclusive learning environment.
• Participants will do a deep dive into the stage of inclusion, and explore specific strategies and practices that support community-building.
• Participants will explore how culturally responsive practices can help build stronger relationships with youth.
• Participants will be given explicit instruction on how to create Circles (small group communities within the larger learning community).

Module 3: Strengthening Influence (4 hours)

• Participants will again debrief on their experiences with applying what they have learned in their own context.
• Participants will explore the stage of influence, and how it can play a role in empowering youth voice and resolving conflict in the learning community.
• Participants will have the opportunity to practice conflict resolution strategies in small groups.
• Participants will gain an understanding of how the principles of influence can align with academic and afterschool standards.
• Participants will be coached on how to navigate critical conversations around inequity, racism, and bias that may arise as youth move into the group stage of influence.

Module 4: Sustaining Community (4 hours)

• Participants will debrief their experiences applying influence strategies in their context, and reflect on their current comfort level with implementing Peace Learning Circles without the direct support of facilitators.
• Participants will synthesize learning from earlier modules to understand how the community can be sustained long-term.
• Participants will learn how sustaining community and meaningful relationships will facilitate deeper learning.
• Participants will be given structured time to build their own learning experiences and seek feedback from peers and facilitators.
• Participants will be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to bring about more widespread change in their organization to sustain Peace Learning Circles long-term.

All Modules

• Participants will be given opportunities for small group discussion and to apply what they have learned. 
• Course activities will model and/or incorporate various practices and strategies from the framework, like energizers and inclusion-building activities. 
• Each module will address how to implement Peace Learning Circles in an equitable and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Courses will also focus on how to directly align Peace Learning Circles with academic, afterschool, and/or state SEL competencies.*
• All participants will receive a digital course workbook, a physical implementation book, and online access to supplemental materials.

Application, Reflection, & Coaching:

Participants will also be credited with 8 hours of professional growth credit for the completion of activities that are assigned by facilitators during each course meeting.

*Open or community courses will base this portion of the course on CASEL competencies, while academic standards will be spoken about more generally.