Gain the clarity and grounding to hold space with care and consent, without control or performance.
The Invitation
“Holding Space with Care & Clarity” is a live, online circle keeper training for people who are asked to bring others together, and want to do so with care, clarity, and responsibility.
Across four days, we explore how to build and contain spaces where people can show up honestly, be known and seen, and engage courageously with one another, without pressure, paternalism, or performance.
This training centers the relational infrastructure of facilitation: how agreements are made, how trust is built, how purpose is named, and how space is opened, held, and closed with intention.
You’ll learn how to invite vulnerability and courage by choice, grounded in consent and shared responsibility, whether you’re facilitating on Zoom, in the workplace, in a classroom, or in community space.
Over 4 days you’ll learn how to:
Create shared agreements and values that support trust and participation
Understand the difference between “safe”, brave, vulnerageous, and sacred space, and clarify what kind of space you are inviting
Build consensus and shared ownership using simple, accessible practices
Open and ground group spaces in ways that support presence and regulation
Use check-ins intentionally, knowing why you’re asking people to share
Build trust over time through structure, pacing, and relational practices
Hold space for story, allowing people to be known and seen without extraction
Clarify the purpose of your facilitation, whether the space is for learning, processing, dialogue, or repair
Prepare for facilitation both externally (outlines, platforms, tech) and internally (intentions, posture, limits)
Invite participation with clarity, including naming what’s needed and what happens next
Adapt circle keeping principles across platforms, including Zoom and other digital spaces
The training culminates in guided practice and reflection, with space for questions and integration.
You will leave with:
Clear understanding of your role and responsibility as a facilitator
Language for consent and boundaries in group settings
Confidence inviting vulnerability without managing or controlling people’s emotions
Reduced emotional overextension and more sustainable facilitation practices
Rooted in Peacemaking Circles
This training is rooted in the lineage of Indigenous peacemaking circles, adapted for Restorative Justice Practices centered on shared voice, clear agreements, consensus, and responsibility to the whole.
While we’ll be meeting online, the principles of circle keeping are not dependent on a physical seating arrangement. Opening and closing with intention, inviting story, building trust, addressing needs, and clarifying next steps are practices that translate across digital, in-person, and everyday contexts.
This Training is for People who:
Facilitate groups, classrooms, circles, or team conversations
Work with emotionally charged or identity-aware discussions
Feel pressure to “go deep” without clear consent
Want facilitation rooted in ethics, care, and responsibility
Care deeply about boundaries, power, and sustainability
Are willing to sit with complexity, practice presence, and take responsibility for how space is held.
This Training Is Not For You If You’re Looking For:
A certification, credential, or boxed facilitation method
A therapy, healing, or processing space for personal trauma
Facilitation that centers emotional intensity, performance, or being “deep”
Techniques for controlling group behavior or managing people’s emotions
A one-size-fits-all approach to meetings, classrooms, or teams
A training focused primarily on punishment, discipline, or compliance
A quick fix or shortcut to trust-building without time and care
What Past Participants Say:
“It was one of the most inspiring online facilitation spaces I’ve ever experienced. This work is what hope feels like. Thank you for showing up and doing this — despite everything, and because of it.”
Maria C.
“The planning, activities, and experiential format were impactful and something I will carry with me for a long time. My abilities as a person and a professional have improved because of this.”
Traveres W.
“I’m already using what I learned in my work with students, colleagues, and community spaces.”
Katharine B.
“This training helped me understand what’s happening beneath the surface in facilitated spaces. I’m using what I learned in a monthly discussion space I facilitate at work.”
Marisol B.
“[David's] ability to center others while engaging vulnerable space with care really mattered to me. I’m taking these practices everywhere.”
Shivani K.
Training Details:
Live Online (Zoom) | Small Cohort
Dates: December 22–23 and December 29–30
Time: 9:00am–3:00pm Pacific Time (6 hours per day, with breaks)
Format: Teaching, reflection, discussion, applied practice
Live participation is strongly encouraged due to the relational, practice-based nature of the training.
Investment & Access
Sliding scale: $600–$1,000+
$600 is supported access
$800 reflects the true cost of the training
$1,000+ sustains the work and expands access
Choose an amount that reflects your capacity to support this work based on, your access to resources, positionality, and privileges.
If $600 is inaccessible for you, or if you need an invoice or purchase order for your organization,
contact [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a Restorative Justice training?
Yes. This training is grounded in Restorative Justice practices, specifically the lineage of Indigenous peacemaking circles. It centers shared voice, consent, agreements, consensus, and responsibility to the whole, adapted for facilitation across online, workplace, classroom, and community contexts.
How does this training honor lineage without replicating traditional circles?
This training honors the Indigenous lineage of peacemaking circles while acknowledging that the practices are adapted for contemporary Restorative Justice contexts. We focus on principles and responsibilities rather than replicating ceremonial or place-based practices.
Is this a certification program?
No. This training focuses on practice, posture, and responsibility, not credentials or formal certification. You will leave with clearer facilitation grounding and practical tools.
Participants will receive a certificate of participation documenting completion of the training. However, skill and credibility as a circle keeper are built through ongoing practice, not conferred by a certificate.
Is this a training on running traditional in-person circles?
No. While rooted in peacemaking circle practice, this training is not about running traditional in-person circles or following a fixed circle format. It focuses on the responsibilities of a circle keeper and how those principles translate across contexts, including Zoom.
Is this training therapy or a healing space?
No. This training is not therapy and is not designed for personal emotional processing. Reflection and connection may happen, but the focus is on facilitation practices, structure, and responsibility.
Will this training be “safe”?
Rather than promising safety, this training emphasizes consent, boundaries, and care. Participants are invited to engage at their own pace and capacity. Participation is invitational, and passing is always respected.
Who is this training best suited for?
This training is for facilitators, educators, organizers, coaches, and leaders who bring people together and want greater clarity around power, consent, boundaries, and ethical responsibility in their facilitation.
I’m new to Restorative Justice. Is this appropriate for me?
Some experience with facilitation, teaching, or group leadership is helpful. This is not an introductory “RJ 101” training, but you do not need to be an expert to participate.
Will the sessions be recorded?
Live participation is strongly encouraged due to the relational and practice-based nature of the training. Limited recordings may be shared if needed, but the training is designed to be experienced live.
What if I can’t attend all four days?
Attending all four days is strongly recommended, as the learning builds across sessions and culminates in guided practice. If you have a known conflict, reach out before registering.
How does the sliding scale work?
The sliding scale supports access and collective care.
$600 is supported access
$800 reflects the true cost
$1,000+ sustains the work and expands access
Choose an amount that reflects your capacity based on access to resources, positionality, and privilege.
Can my organization pay for this?
Yes. We can provide invoices or purchase orders. Email [email protected] for support.
Is this training accessible?
We aim to offer this training in ways that are accessible and considerate of different needs. If you have accessibility questions or requests, please contact [email protected] before registering so we can explore what support is possible.
Got more questions?
Contact [email protected]