Kay Pranis is an independent trainer and facilitator for
peacemaking circles, as well as, an advocate and leader in Restorative Justice and Circle Process movements.
Kay has been involved in the development of circle processes in criminal
justice, schools, neighborhoods, families and the workplace. She is author of,
The Little Book Of Circle Processes:A
New/Old Approach To Peacemaking.
"We have raised an entire generation without the prerequisites for
developing empathy and then are outraged when they seem not to care
about the impact of their behavior on others. We did not consciously
decide to raise them without empathy, but that is the result of
significant changes in our social behavior
.
The development of empathy requires:
1. regular
feedback about how our actions are affecting others, respectfully
communicated
2. relationships in which we are valued and our worth is validated
3. experience of sympathy from others when we are in pain
"Social
distance maintains the sense of other as different, not like ourselves
or our families. We know the other only through stereotypes or
media images. Circles break down social distance. Through sharing our
stories, circles help us see ourselves in one another.
Interconnectedness and the shared human struggle become visible in
circle.
Empathy arises organically.
When we see ourselves in the other, it becomes much more difficult to
participate in harming the other. I believe circles are a critical tool
for deconstructing the social distance that allows so much
injustice...."
We have raised an entire generation without the prerequisites for
developing empathy and then are outraged when they seem not to care
about the impact of their behavior on others. We did not consciously
decide to raise them without empathy, but that is the result of
significant changes in our social behavior.
The development of empathy requires:
1. regular
feedback about how our actions are affecting others, respectfully
communicated
2. relationships in which we are valued and our worth is validated
3. experience of sympathy from others when we are in pain
Peacemaking circles advocate Kay Pranis delivers Wednesday's Interfaith
Lecture about the "driftwood exercise" and learning how to overcome
discomfort in the face of conflict and differences
