COMMUNITY

ACTION
CIRCLES
SUGGESTIONS
TO OPEN AND
CLOSE
MEETINGS
RESOURCES TO HOST
COMMUNITY ACTION
CIRCLES



Page 2
Suggested Openers and Closers
We welcome an open interpretation of these suggestions, so they are culturally
relevant and appropriate for your particular group and their needs.
Opening the Meetings
Create the Center: Set up the center of the circle with a slightly raised
platform or some fabric. In the center, place a candle, some flowers, or
another meaningful item to serve as the central axis of the group. Have
each member of the circle place a special item around the altar, expressing
why they have chosen that item for the circle gathering.
Meditation: A silent meditation serves as a good practice for leaving the
hustle and bustle of everyday life and entering the sacred work that takes
place in the circle. A few minutes of sitting in silence with eyes closed helps
members of the circle focus on the work that is about to take place. A
guided meditation, such as offering the members of the circle visualization
suggestions, is also rewarding.
Music and Movement: Engaging and enlivening the body is a great way to
focus the mind. Members of the circle can share a recorded song, play
music on their own instruments, or sing a song a capella. Perhaps one of
the members wants to lead everyone in a movement meditation. Shaking off
the dust of the day can help the circle come alive.
Hold Hands: Everyone in the group can stand in the circle and connect by
holding hands. This allows the members of the circle to see and feel the
connection that is the basis for the circle gatherings. Have everyone go
around and mention the name of an inspiring person, or have everyone say
something inspiring that happened that day, or have everyone offer a single
word that encapsulates their current feelings.
Readings: Someone can offer a passage that is important to him or her.
After reading the passage, perhaps take a moment of reflection, then have
a few people respond to what was read. Reading responses can serve as a
means for entering into conversation, which is the foundation for any circle
gathering.


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indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest to preserve their lands and culture and, using insights gained from that
work, to educate and inspire individuals everywhere to bring forth a thriving, just and sustainable world.
Learn more at pachamama.org
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Closing the Meetings
Music: Play a piece of contemplative or inspirational music to give
members of the circle some time to reflect on what was said during the
days meeting. You can even use the same song each week to create a
sense of continuity - to build a thread that connects each circle meeting.
Feel free to add some movement as well.
Gratitude: One by one, each member of the circle offers a few words of
gratitude for another member - for an insight that was shared, a kindness
that was offered, or simply for the presence that they bring to the group. Be
careful not to leave anyone out inadvertently, though!
Spiral Hug: The spiral hug is a really fun way to close a Circle and
engender a feeling of closeness between members of the group. One
person breaks hands with one of the people they are standing beside while
keeping contact with the other, moving into the center of the circle. This
winds the group tighter and tighter until eventually everyone is rolled
together in a hug.
Hold Hands: Everyone in the group can stand in the circle and connect by
holding hands. This allows the members of the circle to see and feel the
connection that is the basis for the circle gatherings. Have everyone go
around and offer a single word that encapsulates their current feelings.