When individuals gather in a circle, taking turns to speak from the heart, the ensuing dialogue encourages connection, cooperation among members and inspires creative and compassionate solutions to individual, community and world problems.

‘Our aim is to catalyse a million women’s circles by the year 2005.’ This resolution was one of the outcomes of discussions leading up to the 5th UN World Conference on Women in 2005. The Millionth Circle 2005′ concept reintroduces the ancient methodology of the circle in community dialogues and meetings as an alternative to hierarchical structures and confining systems which tend to be the dominant structure in today’s world.

The intention is to seed and cultivate circles throughout the world in which individuals gather and share their thoughts in order to create equality, sustainable livelihoods, preservation of the earth and peace for all. The guidelines for creating circles states, ‘Circles provide a replenishing place of sanctuary and can be considered laboratories of grace where people can learn to relate in a way so conflicts and problems can be resolved.’ To participate in a circle, all you need is the desire, the willingness to attend the meetings, and follow the guidelines. When people join together in a circle, they become aware that separateness does not really exist on a deeper level.

The Women’s World Summit Foundation is committed to en-couraging the formation of Circles of Compassion as a way to bless and help bring much-needed changes to the world, so that everyone has a voice and all share equally and responsibly in the world’s resources. The Foundation has based its proposal on the pioneers of circle work throughout the world and the wise women everywhere, young and old, who continue to gather in circles as a way to bring together the spirit of community.

Supplementary websites: www.rogersmckay.org & www.fromthefourdirections.org
FURTHER INFORMATION : For more information on the Circles of Compassion and circle work and trainings: The Women’s World Summit Foundation, PO Box 2001, 1211 Geneva 1, Switzerland.
WEB SITE : http://jeanshinodabolen.com EMAIL: wwsf@vtxnet.ch
2nd WEB SITE : http://www.sphereswomenscircles.com