Embedded Files
"ORIGINS, VALUES and TOOLS of CIRCLE KEEPING & RESTORATIVE PRACTICES"
Spring 2026 course participant reflections...
"...well organized, allowed for both learning and reflection. I liked the opportunity to have instruction throughout experiential learning. I feel like I’m better equipped today with a deeper understanding of the medicine wheel.- that aha moment throughout the course of the 4 weeks happened quite often for me."
"I had my doubts about certain aspects of the practice, but after learning the why, every aspect of the Circle makes sense. I love the focus on interconnectedness, and even though I am not a spiritual person, I respect that the origin of the practice is spiritual in nature, and at the same time, everyone can understand it in their own way."
"Would recommend to anyone in any field."
"...wanting it to continue on indefinitely. I have no problems spending three hours of my Saturday mornings learning in this kind of way from teachers like the both of you."
PRACTITIONER'S JOURNEY:
"A Return to the well of Restorative Practice"
Spring 2026 course participant reflections...
"I really enjoyed the independent study materials and that we got a chance to share our thoughts, opinions, beliefs, etc. with the group."
"The independent research materials were amazing and incredibly eye opening."
"It is not often I get to connect with likeminded people and I really appreciated the opportunity to do so."
"I LOVED IT. It was an incredible experience of learning, bonding and realizing."
"I appreciated the focus on re-grounding in Restorative values..."
Course for Experienced Practitioners
Through this collaborative and interactive journey we will seek to honor Sankofa, the concept of the Akan people of Ghana that reminds us to "go back and get it". This culture values using past experiences, both good and bad, as guides to inform present decision making and future actions.
Participants will be guided through "the backward arc of reflection" to analyze the development of their current Restorative Practice, through the lens of the Hermeneutic Circle. The Hermeneutic Circle, like Sankofa, suggests resurrecting and reflecting on the origins of theory and practice after time has passed from the initial exposure. Hermeneutics supports the development of deeper connections between Restorative theory and the art of the practice.
Zoom based Restorative Circle sessions (3) will be complimented with independent research opportunities (2). The 5 part series will guide experienced practitioners through a journey of discovery to increase integration of values based practice and enhance the impact of service delivery in any form of Restorative Practice. The course will culminate in the 6th week, with an invitation to an in person session to break bread with other participants and share a Circle of Commencement.
"Chandra, you have to take them back to their villages."
Chief Judge Abby Abinanti, Yurok Tribe
Recommended Reading:
Meet Your Guides and Keepers:
Chandra Banks, Ed. M. - Institutional Climate Specialist, Restorative Practitioner
Vinson Givans, Ed. M.- Mediator, Football Coach, Restorative Practitioner
Herman Banks Jr., Ed. M. - Educator, Personal Trainer, Restorative Practitioner
Chandra Banks
Vinson Givans
Herman Banks, Jr.
Our Time Together...
Day 1
3 hour Zoom Based Circle: Identify and acknowledge the time before "The Beginning"
Day 2
3 hours of Independent Research / Fore structure and Values Identification
Day 3
3 hour Zoom Based Circle: Process Independent Research, Values Based Practice
Day 4
3 hours of Independent Research / Collaborative Discovery
Day 5
3 hour Zoom Based Circle: Process Independent Research findings and impact
Day 6
In person Closing Circle with food!
In person location: TBD
Certificates of acknowledgement for 20 hours of advanced learning in the field of Restorative Practice will be provided.
Google Sites
Report abuse