“Human conversation is the most ancient and easiest way to cultivate change – personal change, community and organisational change, planetary change. If we can sit together and talk about what’s important to us, we begin to come alive.”

Margaret Wheatley

Corporates

We support corporates in the following ways:

  • Researching the barriers to inclusion and articulating the current narrative in the organisation regarding diversity and inclusion.
  • Getting clear on the specific strategy for building a more inclusive culture and how Circles can form part of the broader transformation strategy.
  • Mapping out a roll-out plan for integrating and embedding Circles as a long-term process for change.
  • Both facilitating Circles and training Circle Facilitators within the business.
  • Curating and designing a glossary of conversation starters that speak to the topics that are most relevant to issues within the business.
  • Writing and designing communication resources that support the ongoing conversation around D&I.
  • Facilitating workshops that build language, awareness and skill for leaders to become more inclusive and courageous in how they show up.
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"We have been able to grow and expand our worlds by exploring relationships with people who see the world through a different lens. It has been a gateway to change throughout the organisation.”
Wayne Hoare, CHRO

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“Circles have resuscitated the need for emotional connection. Well done on your facilitation. It was excellent and worked very well for the Exec.”
Barney Khumalo HR Director

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“I had such a wonderful time. It felt safe. I didn’t know everyone on a personal level but somehow I could relate to almost everyone.”
None Hlongwa, Farm Manager

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“I found it to be an eye-opening experience and gained so much just from listening without responding.”
Angela Bonhomme, Admin Controller

Schools

We support schools in the following ways:

  • Getting clear on the specific strategy for building a more inclusive culture and how Circles can form part of the broader transformation strategy.
  • Mapping out a roll-out plan for integrating and embedding Circles as a long-term process for change.
  • Providing mediation on topics related to diversity and inclusion.
  • Both facilitating Circles and training Circle Facilitators within schools.
  • Curating and designing a glossary of conversation starters that speak to the topics that are most relevant to issues within a school.
  • Facilitating workshops that build language, awareness and skill for teachers, learners and management to become more inclusive and courageous in how they teach, lead and relate to each other.
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"For me choosing to attend Open Circles sessions was the best choice I made for personal growth and self management. The sessions are conducted in a manner that ALL participants feel safe to open up and share. It really is an Open Circle. I have so much respect and am in awe of my colleagues who participated.”
Stella Ngcobo, isiZulu Educator

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"The ability to have difficult conversations in a way which recognises the feelings on all sides has never been more important. Staff and pupils agreed that the process is not comfortable, but necessary if we are to experience a sense of belonging despite our differences. We are grateful to Vicky and her team, which has begun this process with us and we look forward to acquiring the skills we need.”
Marianne Bailey, Executive Head

Organisations

We support organisations in the following ways:

  • Strategic partnership and programme design
  • Circle Facilitation & Peace Building
  • Contextually relevant conversation-starters
  • Training Facilitators in the skill of Dialogue and Peace Building.
  • Leadership capability-building
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"Women for the Environment (WE) Africa puts African women at the heart of transforming the African environmental movement. Open Circles has partnered with WE Africa to help them deliver a year-long leadership experience that focuses on creating safe, inclusive spaces for these women to connect with courage and vulnerability around their individual and collective successes and struggles.”
Dr. Colleen Begg, Conservation Ecologist

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“Through sharing stories as well as learning the skill of dialogue and peace-building for themselves, we believe that these extraordinary women will grow in their influence and impact at the decision-making tables, accelerating the change that is desperately needed to save our environment."
Dr. Colleen Begg, Conservation Ecologist