Restorative Houston is offering a 30-hour training program called Circle Keeping for Community Building in Spring 2026. Circle keeping is an ancient practice that brings people together to have honest conversations, listen deeply, and solve problems without winners and losers. The program teaches people how to create safe spaces where everyone's voice matters and healing can happen.
Participants will learn by doing - they'll practice leading circles in real community settings with experienced mentors helping them. The apprenticeship has three phases: learning the basics (10 hours), practicing with support (12 hours), and leading on their own with coaching (8 hours). Only 12-15 people will be accepted to keep the group small.
This training is perfect for teachers, nonprofit workers, community organizers, or anyone who wants to bring people together in their neighborhood. Applications are open now until February 15, 2026. Circle keeping helps build trust, resolve conflicts, heal trauma, and create belonging where people feel truly seen and heard.