How to run a meeting like a restorative justice talking circle

1. an indication on the written agenda that ‘interactive meeting format’ will be used.  
2. start and stop on time …
3. comments specific to agenda items …
4. a roll call/opening question (a question that everyone can answer, specific to the group’s purpose)
5. meeting ranking at the end ( a simple 1=worst, 10=best and why)

….What I have found is that the roll call question can center people
to speak one at a time.  It also reminds us of our meeting mission….

The other really great thing that comes out of this process is the
ranking of the meeting at the end.  It’s very simply going around the
room and giving the meeting a score of 1-10.  I think it’s like a
Circle, because it’s a ‘check-out’ round.  People explain their number
briefly.  It starts to get the group to understand what people want and
need from a meeting.  One time a lower ranking was offered, because the
meeting got slightly off track.  The very next person gave it a higher
ranking, because the meeting got slightly off track.  One person needs
structure, the other loves the conversation that evolves.

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