What is Council?
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Council is a practice in authenticity. It requires a deep listening, rigorous discernment, a reverence for truth, and a steady commitment to transparency and fierce compassion. —CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE
Based on a range of traditional practices from both indigenous peoples and others, the practice of Council has always been fundamental to building collaborative insight. In the case of the CUHF, by acknowledging the full scope of the planetary crisis together, fears may be experienced (and perhaps transformed), insights and new levels of awareness engendered, and a sense of possibility and agency encouraged.
COUNCIL GUIDELINES
In a Council circle, and based on the set of simple agreements below, participants slow down and listen well—to both themselves and others, and to what they do not yet know. In the gradual development of a more collective awareness, relationships are strengthened, and community is built.
Speak authentically
Listen with attention and receptivity
Speak with brevity, aware of sharing time with others
Be spontaneous in speaking, rather than rehearsing
Observe confidentiality
As a foundational and essential form of dialogue, Council can also be understood within the full continuum of discourse, as seen here. For additional resources on the practice of Council, please visit:
WAYS OF COUNCIL | HEART SOURCE | NEW ENGLAND COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
