In a world often defined by disconnection, punishment and retribution, restorative circles offer a compelling alternative: connection, accountability, and healing. Amber Vlangas, a leading voice in restorative justice and a survivor of sexual violence, passionately advocates for this transformative approach. At the 2024 PARSOL Fall Conference, she shared insights into the powerful practice of restorative circles, which bridge the divide between harm and healing.
Amber’s journey with restorative justice is deeply personal. As the wife of someone on a registry, she understands the complexities of harm and justice from multiple angles. “My story is not unique,” she said during her presentation. “We need to tear down the idea that some people are victims and others are only victimizers.” Through her work with Restorative Action Alliance, she champions the humanity of everyone involved, fostering safer communities without relying on punitive systems.
What Are Restorative Circles?
Restorative circles draw on ancient, cross-cultural practices to create connections, understanding, and healing spaces. Unlike therapy or case management, these circles, which follow a community-building model, are peer-led and emphasize shared lived experiences. Participants engage in structured conversations to build trust, increase empathy, and foster accountability.
There are several foundational roles in a circle: participants, the circle keeper, and the guardian.
- The circle keeper is a trained facilitator with shared lived experience. They ensure dialogue flows while participating as an equal.
- The guardian monitors the space, intervening as needed, to maintain the circle’s agreements and emotional safety.
- Circle members participate fully, keeping the circle to shared values.
“The magic of a circle,” Amber shared, “is its ability to hold so many things: deep truths, discomfort, joy, and innovation.” This versatility and its grounding in collective wisdom make restorative circles a powerful tool for addressing harm and fostering community.
A Modern Revival of Ancient Practices
Though restorative practices are often seen as a modern innovation, their roots run deep. Indigenous cultures worldwide have long used similar practices to resolve conflicts and build community. From Native American talking circles to Celtic, Asian,and African traditions, these methods emphasize dialogue, accountability, and interconnectedness.
Amber noted, “Circles echo ancient practices that have been employed by cultures worldwide.” By adapting these traditions to contemporary challenges, restorative circles offer a pathway to reconnect with values of community and healing that modern systems often neglect.
The Structure of Restorative Circles
At first glance, the structure of a restorative circle may seem simple, but its intentional design makes it effective. Each session begins and ends with a ceremony—whether it’s the ringing of a bell, a moment of silence, or a shared reading. This helps participants transition into and out of the circle’s “sacred space,” leaving distractions and preconceived notions behind.
Within the circle, conversations follow a rhythm:
- Welcome and Agreements: Participants collectively establish guidelines for respectful and meaningful interaction. These agreements ensure everyone feels safe and valued.
- Heart Sharing Round: Using a talking piece—often an object of personal or cultural significance—participants share their responses to a prompt. This slows the conversation, encouraging deep reflection and active listening.
- Harvesting Round: Participants reflect on what resonated with them or pose questions with curiosity and respect.
- Closing Ceremony: The circle concludes w/ a reflective activity, allowing participants to carry the experience.
Each element reinforces the circle’s purpose: to create a safe, equitable space for connection and growth.
Who Benefits from Restorative Circles?
Restorative circles have proven effective across diverse contexts. Restorative Action Alliance, for example, offers circles for survivors of sexual harm, people impacted by registries, and their loved ones. The peer-led format fosters deep connections, reducing isolation & shame while building resilience.
One participant described the experience as transformative: “I’ve never felt safe in a group setting before, but this circle changed that. It’s a place where I can share without fear of judgment.”
Amber emphasized that the benefits extend beyond personal growth. Circles can also catalyze advocacy, encouraging participants to access their powerful experiences and use their voices to drive systemic change.
Addressing Challenges and Building Trust
Like any human interaction, restorative circles can encounter challenges. Participants may feel discomfort as they confront differing opinions or revisit painful experiences. Amber acknowledged this reality but stressed that circles are designed to hold such moments with care.
Circle keepers undergo trauma-informed training, equipping them to navigate sensitive situations. The broader organization supports them, ensuring resources are available for participants needing additional help. “The circle doesn’t solve every problem,” Amber said, “but it provides a space to begin the work.”
Restorative Circles in a Virtual World
Though traditionally held in person, restorative circles have successfully transitioned to virtual spaces, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restorative Action Alliance has embraced this format, allowing participants from across the country—and even the world—to join. Virtual circles rely on creative adaptations, such as passing a talking piece metaphorically, to maintain the integrity of the practice.
“Technology can’t replace the warmth of sitting in a room together,” Amber admitted, “but it has expanded access, making these spaces available to people who might not otherwise participate.”
The Ripple Effect of Restorative Circles
The impact of restorative circles goes beyond individual participants. By fostering empathy, accountability, and community, these practices can potentially transform how society addresses harm. One audience member at Amber’s workshop remarked, “This has the potential to change the nation. It’s exactly what we need.”
Amber’s vision aligns with this sentiment. She dreams of a world where restorative practices are the norm rather than the exception. “If I had my way,” she said, “every person on Earth would be part of a circle.”
Joining the Movement
For those inspired by Amber’s work, there are many ways to get involved. Restorative Action Alliance offers training programs for aspiring circle keepers and resources for communities looking to implement restorative practices. The organization also facilitates circles for various groups, creating spaces for healing and growth.
Amber’s closing message was clear: restorative circles are not just a tool for resolving conflicts—they are a way of being. “In circle, we discover our collective wisdom,” she said. “And that wisdom has the power to transform lives.”
Restorative Circles invite us to rethink how we address harm and build community. They remind us of our shared humanity, offering a path toward healing that honors the dignity of all involved. In a world hungry for connection and understanding, this ancient practice feels more relevant—and more necessary—than ever.
