The Institute for Public Administration's Conflict Resolution Program (CRP) is excited to bring Circle Dialogue to Delaware. CRP is partnering with Jennifer Clement, a highly respected trainer and circle keeper, to launch an Introduction to Circle Dialogue training. This introductory training provides a foundation of understanding for using Circle Dialogues as a tool for conversation.
Training Details and Registration
If you are interested in participating in future training opportunities, email Kathy Murphy.​​
What is Circle Dialogue?
Circle Dialogue is a structured process that allows participants to share their stories and experiences through face-to-face communication. Circles provide a safe, supportive space for members to draw on their best values, talk about important topics, and respond from their best selves. Circle Dialogue can be used in a variety of contexts, such as within communities, businesses, workplace, schools, civic groups, and anywhere where groups need balanced participation and engaged discussion.
What Will the Training Cover?
The training will explore how Circle Dialogue can:
- Increase group participation and collaboration
- Create a safe space that welcomes diversity and differences
- Build community and generate mutual understanding and respect
- Promote accountability within a community
- Inspire deep listening and meaningful conversations
- Generate trust among colleagues
- Use questions to encourage inquiry
- Balance participation and power
- Apply to a range of settings and situations for hosting meaningful conversations
Through this one-day, introductory training participants will learn:
- The basic principles, values, and philosophy of Circle Dialogue
- Appropriate contexts and uses for Circle Dialogue
- How to prepare for a Circle Dialogue
- How to select the theme and the appropriate questions
- The process and guidelines for conducting a Circle Dialogue
About the Trainers
Jennifer A. Clement, Director, Delaware Center for Youth Development
Jennifer joined the staff at the Children's Beach House as the first director of the Delaware Center for Youth Development in 2006. Jennifer has extensive training experience and has presented at Association for Childhood Education International, California School-Age Consortium, National Alliance for Black School Educators, National School-Age Child Care Association, National School Community Corps., and many more. She comes from Pennsylvania, where she worked as the assistant executive director at the Center for Resolutions for three years. Prior to that, she was the director of educational programs at Woodrock, Inc. in Philadelphia, and was the director of curriculum at FOUNDATIONS Inc. in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, where she published 5 curriculum manuals for after-school programs. Jennifer holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the College of Wooster in Ohio.
Jessica Velez, Policy Specialist, Conflict Resolution Program
Jessica Velez is a policy specialist in the Conflict Resolution Program in the Institute for Public Administration at the University of Delaware. She is a trained Circle Keeper, mediator, and facilitator practicing in various contexts in Delaware. She coordinates and delivers trainings on mediation, facilitating meetings, and conflict resolution. Jessica has a master of public administration and a bachelor of arts in child psychology from the University of Delaware.
Kathy Murphy, Coordinator, Conflict Resolution Program
Kathy Murphy is the Associate Director of the Institute for Public Administration and the Coordinator of the Conflict Resolution Program at the University of Delaware. She has a secondary faculty appointment in the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration where she teaches courses pertaining to conflict resolution, collaborative negotiation, and organizational leadership. Kathy has received advanced training and certifications in facilitation and mediation from Harvard Law Program on Negotiation, Center for Positive Change, National Issues Forum Institute, Atlanta Center for Justice, American Arbitration Association and Community Dispute Settlement Program. She has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Delaware and an undergraduate degree in Business Administration.
Contact Us
Subscribe to the Conflict Resolution Program's mailing list to receive updates on official dates and times for upcoming trainings. For more information about Circle Dialogue Training and registering for this opportunity, contact the Conflict Resolution Program (302-831-8158) or Kathy Murphy.​​
