As part of the Restorative Justice Initiative, Circles are a method of promoting open and respectful communication in a safe place between a diverse group of individuals. Circles allow for the start of healing and understanding regarding the issues of crime and violence as the process works to facilitate respectful communication on sometimes difficult topics.

Neighbors, local business owners, faith representatives, police officers, community leaders, and elected officials can gather once or multiple times to form a listening circle. Listening circles are a method of communication, problem solving, and community building. We gather in a safe space, often in libraries and community centers. We sit in a circle and speak one at a time. We listen and share from the heart, grounded in our own experiences and values. Listening circles are derived from and inspired by native traditions. Everyone who comes to a listening circle is a welcomed participant. The circle honors the presence and dignity of every participant by giving equal voice to all. Community coordinators have been trained to facilitate circles and have conducted them in a wide variety of settings that can include youth, local police, faith-based leaders, formerly incarcerated individuals, block watch leaders, and many others who are part of a community.