Segment 1: Kay Pranis’ Journey
On this edition of the Doug Noll Show, we have with us Kay Pranis. Kay’s journey began in an accidental every way. Kay has no formal training in any related field. She has an education but unrelated to her current field. Raised her children and stayed on the board of directors of her children’s school. As her children were moving onto adulthood, Kay decided she needed to do something to fill her time. With her experience as a school board member, she decided to pursue. Applied to a lot of places. Had an opportunity to work for a non-profit in MN that specialized in criminal justice work. Kay knew nothing about that system. She did not know the difference between probation and parole. She did not know that MN had sentencing guidelines. The person who ran the agency knew Kay through his wife who worked as the superintendent in the school district where she sat on the board. She was hired to do their policy work because he trusted her to work with the board members and figured she could learn on the job what she needed to know about the criminal justice system. Kay had no interest in criminal justice but it was the only opportunity that was presented to her. In the winter of 1989, Kay came across a pamphlet talking about restorative justice. This resonated deeply with her. It was also consistent with the agency approach. She read everything she would get her hands on regarding the topic. She began educating herself and implementing the restorative process in their policies. A position was created for Kay. The first of it’s kind. Listen to her share more with Doug and the audience on her rewarding journey.
Segment 2: What is the Circle Process?
Kay shares with us the meaning of the circle concept. The circle process is a dialogue process with a very deliberate structure this is intended to help people bring their best self forward given wherever they are in that moment. The structure of the process helps to facilitate the people being able to move in the direction of their best selves. This process is a gift from the ancient indigenous people. We believe it was common amongst all groups of people met in this way. They would come together, sit in a circle with no tables and often something in the center that represents important goals the group has. The most important structural component of the talking piece which is an object of significance to the group that moves from person to person around the group in order and only the person with the talking piece is allowed to speak. This segments tells more about the circle process in today’s time.
Segment 3: The Circle Process in Prisons and Classrooms
In this segment, Doug Kay discusses the use the Circle Process in the CA prison system. The process has transformed many of the prisoners and released some because of the process and their ability to manage their own behavior. Also discussed is teaching teachers to use the Circle Process in the classrooms. This is a fascinating segment.
Segment 4: Peacemaking Circle Transformations
In this segment, Doug and Kay share stories about family Peace Circle successes and how it has transformed the family dynamic. Even with children. Also shared is the paradigm shift that asks people to relinquish old beliefs and enter a space of not knowing. Our human nature survived through cooperation not competition but our current culture has changed our behavior for towards resolution.
Click here to listen to the entire show http://wsradio.com/020515-peacemaking-circles-crime-community-restorative-justice/