Lateral Kindness Level 4: Concensus Decision Making in Circle

In this course we demonstrate how to use a Circle process to make decisions by consensus.

The course begins with an overview and demonstrations of the core elements of any Circle process:

Room Set Up;
Talking Piece;
Opening & Closing Ceremonies;
Check-Ins & Check-Outs;
Purpose;
Values & Guidelines;
Guiding Questions; and
Keeper Summaries.

We are currently in the process of piloting this new course. We anticipate being able to offer the first course to the public early in 2026. If you are interested, put your name on the waiting list as soon as possible to reserve a place.

We cover the role of the Circle Keeper, and the different types of Circles that exist (i.e., Talking Circles, Healing Circles, Peacemaking Circles, Support Circles, Decision-Making Circles).

We then take a deep dive into using a Circle process to make decisions by consensus. We present the pros and cons of using a Circle process as compared to Roberts Rules of Order, and in what specific cases a Circle process makes sense. We discuss what a true consensus is, and how you can know you have achieved one.

We then take on live cases, and practice using the tools we have just given you. The facilitators present two hypothetical cases in which a decision needs to be made by consensus, and take the group through a Circle process to make that decision. We demonstrate the skills you are learning in the course. After each demonstration, the facilitators de-brief with the group and give participants the opportunity to probe into specific areas of practice.

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Why are you interested in this course?

At a Glance

Get a quick overview of key details, including duration, group size, and your expert facilitators.

How long is the course? 

4 days (7 hours per day) divided into 2 blocks

What are the class sizes?

Maximum of 12 participants (Minimum of 8)

What are the prerequisites? 

No prerequisites required. Our Lateral Kindness courses, however, provide an excellent complement to this decision-making course.

When & how is the training delivered?

Face-to-face in Whitehorse, Yukon

Who facilitates the learning? 

Marilyn Jensen, CEO, Lateral Kindness Inc. & Thomas Shepherd, President, Lateral Kindness Inc.

Everyone is expected to follow guidelines to create a safe, authentic and productive learning environment that respects Indigenous traditional values. You will be provided with these guidelines in advance of the course.

key takeaways

By the end of this course you will have the tools to:

Explain what a Circle process is

Explain what it means to make a decision by consensus

Decide when the conditions are right to use a Circle process (as compared to Robert’s Rules of Order)

What makes us different?

All our courses are facilitated live by people (no self-taught courses from static document)

All our courses are facilitated by two facilitators, one of whom is Indigenous.

Our course sizes are much smaller, so that there is an opportunity for real connection, interaction and practice.

Our courses last two days, providing significant time for learning.

Target audience:

Existing and aspiring leaders (i.e., Chief and Council, Youth Council, Elders Council, General Council, Land Management Board)

Anyone who chairs or facilitates meetings in work, family, volunteer of community settings

People who the community sees taking a more active role preparing for and keeping their gatherings (i.e., community meetings, consultations, assemblies)