Circles of Pedagogy and Practice: Exploring Circle Process as a Process of Education and Restoration
Join Dr. Jeremy Rinker, ICEE Faculty Fellow and Assistant Professor in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies in developing a community of practice around the many functions and dynamics of designing and implementing circle processes inside and outside the classroom. Our community of practice will organize regular meetings to explore the philosophy and pedagogy behind circle processes and the potential uses of this unique form of community building and engagement. Dr. Rinker aspires to bring together beginners and more seasoned practitioners of circle-based facilitated dialogue (also called Native American Council or Family Group Conferencing, among other names) to develop a community of practice, support, and co-learning.
Over the last few years, across the nation, we have seen the explosion in interest in “restorative justice.” What does this movement mean to working for a safe, inclusive, and just community? What role do circles and facilitated dialogue play in building communities of change? How can a diverse set of University and community partners best map and engage the many community assets around restorative practices in the Triad community? This community of practice/learning community will meet regularly to probe these, and related, questions and explore the opportunities and challenges of
Meetings and Resources
The circle forms monthly at the Glenwood Branch of Greensboro Public Library. For information on the next group meeting of this group, please contact Dr. Jeremy Rinker, jarinker@uncg.edu, 703-850-0765.
- Restorative Justice Dialogue: Evidence-Based Practice.
- Restorative Justice as a Reflective Practice and Applied Pedagogy on College Campuses
- The Psychology of Community Conferencing
Biography
Dr. Jeremy Rinker is an Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of North Carolina Greensboro where he researches the intersections between narrative, violence, and nonviolent social change. Dr. Rinker’s research interests revolve around the centrality of justice discourse, trauma awareness, and collective resilience in institutions and movements aimed at transforming social injustices and building healthy community. Working with marginalized communities to create the spaces and structures to address all types of violence (structural, cultural, and direct) and develop platforms for social resilience to blossom and grow. Dr. Rinker has previously received internal university funding to work with displaced refugee communities in North Carolina and has received a Nehru-Fulbright grant award (2013-14) to study the historical collective trauma of post-colonial Indian experiences of Partition and caste. Dr. Rinker’s extensive experience in the field of international development, community conflict practice, and collective trauma awareness and resilience closely supports the areas of research outlined in UNCG’s strategic plan and informs his work as an ICEE Faculty Fellow. Email jarinker@uncg.edu for more information about the restorative pedagogy and practices learning community.
