1. Why Interested?

Why are you interested in becoming an Empathy Circle Facilitator?

COHORT 12B

responses

COHORT 12A

responses

COHORT 11B

responses

COHORT 9C

responses

COHORT 11A

responses 20

yes

The process I experienced was very simple and powerful. I really want to increase in my listening capacity and have the motivation to start empathy circles here where I am.

I am interested in becoming an Empathy Circle Facilitator for personal growth. I want to actively listen in conversations instead of thinking of what I should say next.

I'd like to assist people in better communication, and steer away from hate, paranoia and fear.

To resolve conflict

Yes

to bring this work to families, work with children and communities

I'm interested for great reasons. I believe the world will be a kinder more compassionate place of understanding when people have a safe container to share and listen to each other with empathy. I'm a super good listener and appreciate that about myself. And I also know that I need practice in speaking, sharing and being heard. And lastly, my organization Community Well which provides holistic healing and health programs to underserved communities, is planning a professional development pilot project for educators and a holistic wellness program for students and parents in the Bay Area. I was looking online for an NVC trainer (because I so highly value NVC and all Marshall Rosenberg's work and understand how essential this work is) and found that Timothy Regan is one of the few in the area. I then listened to the recorded session of KPFA's Talk-It-Out Radio from yesterday (1/31) with you, Edwin Rutsch :) I am so inspired by all the work you are doing to Build A Culture of Empathy. Thank you so much! Although I haven't taken part in Empathy Circles yet, I have watched the intro videos and look forward to attending as many circles as possible this month. I feel it's right timing for me to step into this and then be able to facilitate Empathy Circles at Community Well, and at middle schools and high schools, and wherever else may come.

To bring this to families, and groups I work with

I would like to learn on the facilitation of empathy circle.

I want to study it deeply, practice it a lot, and share whatever I learn

I really like the idea and it is great to become an Empathy Circle Facilitation.

I know what an impact it can have on everyone who participates, and other trickle effects outside of the circle.

I think in my work as a coach and facilitator, I can offer this practice to my people

To share peace in a world that is in dire need of TLC...

I believe empathy is a human capacity the world is in desperate need of. I am an activist myself, and I have struggled with balancing many causes, issues, initiatives that all affect my personal reality. I constantly interact with individuals who each have impulses the care deeply about and all these people want to be heard. When everyone wants to be heard, it can become quite hard to listen. A burning question I live with is "how can I hold a space that empowers and inspires genuine exchanges between people?" I believe Empathy Circles could just be the very answer to my question.

I started with an academic interest to observe the behavioral underpinnings of empathy. However, I am seeing the changes in myself just after the two circles and that excites me. I have started using this phrase more often - tell me if I have understood it correctly

Very necessary to have people who can facilitate supportive discourse during this time.My background in psychiatric nursing and as a teacher of mindfulness self compassion lends itself to the role.

Ongoing work in peacebuilding through health

The world needs listening and i'm so tired of being camplacent . I want to do something and this is what it is.

COHORT 9B

responses 8

Because I want to spread the knowledge and help as many people as possible to experience this king of listening and being listened to

I'm wanting to deepen my experience and learn more about Restorative EC's.

To help build a culture of empathy and also deepen my listening skills. To offer a space for people to really be heard and learn more about listening.

beside living NVC as a path of my career, empathy circle is such a healing process for myself and I would like to spread it out.

Peace, Congruence, Integrity, LOVE, Compassion

I believe that it would be a solution to some of the lack of trust due to racism and lack of professional development to address the white supremacy culture that exists in our organization

To improve communication with myself and others

This is an entrance process into a collaborative community - build trust

COHORT 9A

responses 27

It's therapeutic and a practice that needs to be spread in the world.

I find deep meaning in hosting/facilitating circles. Bringing people together, providing the space and time meets my need for contribution, connection and meaning. I would like to spread knowledge of empathy / compassionate communication to others, to support and inspire others to run circles.

Because I want to help spread good communication and empathy. And because it makes me happy.

I want to spread the idea of the Empathy Circles in Romania as I believe it would ease the way we communicate and help understand each other better, things we desperately need here. My goal would be to teach others about the concept and, with the help of my colleagues (psychotherapists) we could start a movement in different kind of groups: therapeutic, organizations, friends & families, public institutions, use it in working with trauma and who knows, maybe even politics (though it seems a little far-fetched at the moment, it's not impossible).

- to offer Empathy Circles within the community - to support the movement with facilitation - to increase my own level of empathy and create a positive social impact here locally through these efforts

I think empathy creates a deep and effective connection between people and supports a culture of love, cooperation, harmony, understanding. And I'd like to spread empathy and empathy circles everywhere!

yes

I am a trained counsellor and a life coach. I believe the most critical skill in today's world is to be empathic. Therefore I would like to hone my own skills and help others too.

To make the communi

I'm looking to heal the deep divides of the United States, to design the world with understanding at its center. I've been studying and writing a book about Empathy for Change, and want to learn deeper practices that can help facilitate a culture of empathy.

Yes

It would be a great tool to add to our XRA Vitality tool kit.

To enhance my empathic listening skills, to offer sessions to the community & especially to offer circles to young people.

Plan to start on online group dealing with sensitive issues that requires empathy training

I see a huge need for more of this in the world and in my community

Curiosity and probably applying at work

I support the value of creating a culture of empathy and helping people practice listening to each other.

Community development

I have a degree in psychology and I'm very interested in counselling in the future

I would love to be able to learn how to create safe and inclusive spaces for people to share their ideas and opinions and find common ground. I work in politics and I think the training will help me learn to listen actively and with intent to help people communicate things not said and learn to listen to others with respect and generosity. I think such a process can help people to make more informed opinions, engage with others more constructively and develop more inclusive and diverse politics.

To promote Empathy in the community I live in and create a better frame for working with all individuals in organizations from non profit to government

I would love to be able to connect more with people, understand and hear their stories, and also improve my active listening skill.

I teach empathy interviewing as part of the work that I do with social impact organizations and I am seeing more opportunities for growth in how I personally approach empathy, and I am looking for new skills and support so that I can better help and lead others.

to allow me to help others to become more empathy and help people in need.

It allows to have needs met with empathy and an idea brainstorming for people who do not have to know NVC. There’s not many of them to my knowledge other than XR.

Constant learning on empathy and change of perspective

COHORT 10

responses 10

I'm interested in becoming an Empathy Circle facilitator because I quickly experienced the direct benefits by being a part of one, and I want to make those benefits readily and warmly available to others. I want to play my part in making sure that all voices wanting to be heard are heard.

I want to build on my existing listening skills and hopefully introduce empathy circles in my work with carers to support eachother and build stronger workplace teams.

3 reasons - I'm training as a counsellor so really useful skills practice. Secondly I would like to use with my local XR group and lastly in my wider local community politically etc.

To be a better aggregator of voices and connector of communities

I think I can use this in my ministry to help people feel connected and encouraged if they are feeling isolated and/or depressed. I want to be able to help people develop their communication skills and this can be an excellent tool for that. I like the idea of equipping others with this tool which can be used for conflict resolution and for helping people discuss difficult topics, especially where there are differences of opinion.

want to be a better listener and understand others.

Help more people, connect more

I am deeply touched and empowered by this practice

because I am a part of a community of activists educators who try to make the world a better place

It's in my deepest heart to see more empathic connection on Earth, everywhere. It's an essential need of humans.

COHORT 8

responses 26

Yes

I have been helping to reorganize our Regenerative Culture WG. I've facilitated several listening circles that practiced reflective empathy, but I would like to learn more.

I think Empathy Circles may be a viable way forward for societies. I would like to see whether we can use Empathy Circles in various settings I'm associated with.

To perfect my facilitation skills, this is undoubtedly a much-needed practice.

I m interested in being able to bring this practice into more settings

I would like to guide people to understand what is real empathy and how to em

To be able to lead people in the path of compassion, kindness, peace and love.

Want to hold empathy circles for Extinction Rebellion and also in my local community during covid.

I am a counselor and I would like to spread the skill of empathy to others.

to help spread this useful practice that the world needs more of

It is something I would like to replicate along with my friend, Shoshannah, who has taken this training already

I am a writer and empathy expert published author and would love to learn more tools to teach empathy.

I wish to be of service in my community. I already facilitate parent/infant support classes and want to also be able to offer empathy circles for parents and others, to bring people together and bring more peace and understanding. I just feel called to do this.

The world needs more empathy!

The topic is interesting and meaningful. I am working on something related to adolescence friendship modules and this topic sounds overlapping. Besides, I would like to sharpen my skills.

I want the skills to help bring more connection and peace in communities.

Improving communication skills; wishing to develop skills and confidence in group facilitation.

to learn more and facilitate circles

To help heal the world

Skill building for myself - active listening, clear communication, being vulnerable, having difficult conversations. Creating spaces for my clients to build these skills and for all of us to refill our cup with connection, meaning, and purpose by opening up to other people and ideas.

Help more people, connect more

I believe in this movement to contribute to a more empathic culture. There are so many applications and opportunities to convene Empathy Circles within my work as an educator, facilitator and leader within my community as well as being a parent and spouse. I’m all in!

Our world desperately needs more empathy, especially if we want to survive as a species. I want to grow my empathy muscle for my friends, coworkers, clients and also to learn to listen and empathize with others who may have vastly different view points from my own. I would like to be a part of building a culture of empathy.

facilitating circles, tents

Experiencing my first empathy circle was a wonderful experience to me. Each one meeting has brought something vary valuable towards my live, and I am deeply grateful for it. When I saw the information about this exact training I did not hesitate any minute. I can feel, deeply inside, that I would like to give forward this extraordinary gift of being listened to. In a way it's a part of my self-exploration quest, where I feel stron pull towards the idea of building more regenerative culture(s) in general. I'm also thinking of how can I build a world where my younger self would feel more comfortable emotionally.

COHORT 7

responses 15

I would like to host Empathy Circles in Greenwich Village when the city opens up. I believe I will be able to use the Empathy Circle practice in my role as a Chaplain in various situations.

Mutual support, celebration, learning, friendship, allyship, an building a culture of empathy

yes

To facilitate empathy circles, deep listening and conflict transformation for young people, changemakers, parents, teachers and organizations

I'm a mediator. My siblings are engaged in fratricide. My life depends upon me making peace with hostile siblings.

I love the idea of spreading empathy facilitation around the world

To start empathy circles in my friends circle and I am an educator I want to be able to teach people this amazing way to learn from each other

Best way to learn is to teach, right?

I would like to use empathy circles to assist individuals in marginalised groups in my community to raise to their views and issues, and feel the positive benefit of being listened to by another person.

to integrate them into university programs and build a culture of empathy which is widespread

I love this culture of empathy and I would like to make it part of my life. I would like to spread this culture of empathy everywhere.

I think it's a very useful skill, to help us connect and support each other and build a regenerative culture

I am an Empathy architect and believe in constructing effective relationships. I want to learn more on how participants in this group facilitate and work with different people.

To offer space for connection, understanding, growth and harmony in communities

I love the empathy circles - my passion is wellbeing and my philosophy has always been underpinned by Carl Rogers' work

COHORT 6

responses

the most important thing to do right now is listen to understand

Just love it

Empathy is one of my core values. i love supporting people anytime anywhere. being an Empathy circle facilitator will be one of the most powerful tool for me to penetrate communities improving lives.

To establish the culture of empathetic listening

It’s a very powerful practice that I’d like to expand within my networks and be trained to facilitate.

I want to incorporate more NVC/Compassionate Communication into my work

Because it is the most fundamental and required practice that humanity needs right now

I am a coach and trainer specialising in Empathy Skills so this aligns very much with what I do.

XRUS/XRA conflict, EcoAnxiety/EcoGrief

To help ppl

For research and to help Edwin with curriculum/course design

I teach empathy to parents but I would like to expand my empathy teaching in parenting to those who need to learn the most - the fathers.

Mediation

I work in development and we lack the tools to communicate effectively which has resulted in long term misunderstandings and factions. I am keen on making these conversations seamless.

I want to offer free empathy circles for frontline healthcare workers who are struggling with their mental health during this pandemic; as well as others in my community in these polarized times. I want to do my part in helping to transform the way human beings communicate and manage conflict such that we are all able to show up in a manner that leads with love.

I hope to host in person empathy circles in Greenwich Village in Manhattan when things open. I have a space near NYU that I can utilize. I want to be a better listener.

I want to learn to mirror others as second nature - to always be doing that

I have been looking for methods to bridge the political ideological divide and this looks to be a method for that.

I want to go deeper into the practice. I have an interest in being able to facilitate left/right conversations, and have begun connecting with people around this, but want some practice time and to consider how to make sure agreements are made before hand. I would also like to create an organization and have the empathy circle as a core structure for participating.

I work on the Money Rebellion team with Gail Bradbrook, and she would like me to facilitate Empathy Circles for our group to help build a consistent & resilient culture of team health, preferably before Christmas (though I understand there may not be room for me in this current cohort). Moreover, XR America and I are considering have me hold a role in Regen, and I would like to institute ongoing, regular Empathy Circles with our team if this comes to pass.

Moreover, XR America and I are considering have me hold a role in Regen, and I would like to institute ongoing, regular Empathy Circles with our team if this comes to pass.

Memetic mediation

For me, as the impacts of the climate and ecological emergency worsen they will threaten the stability of our societies. We are already seeing the polarising divisions created by fear which separate people into them and us and signal the break down of listening, caring and empathy. This is only adds suffering to the difficulty of fear. In my opinion, the counterbalance to this is the loving and empathic attitudes and behaviours that bring us together, restore our connection to each other and to ourselves. In these times, more than ever, we need each other, we need strong relationships. I feel called to do what I can for the the times that are upon us. These loving and empathic attitudes will be more and more needed. I see empathy circles as an important practice to develop these attitudes and behaviours in myself and in others. We will need more humans and communities able to stay deeply and resiliently connected to the practices that foster love and empathy, even in adversity. And for this to be shared to help others to do the same. I want to be one of those humans. On a personal level, I've been involved in facilitating, training, and teaching for over 15 years. I feel deeply satisfied when working with groups of people, I feel in my right place. Over the years, I have also been drawn to environments where people share their feelings deeply. Again, this is the kind of environment where I feel in my right place.

In my opinion, the counterbalance to this is the loving and empathic attitudes and behaviours that bring us together, restore our connection to each other and to ourselves. In these times, more than ever, we need each other, we need strong relationships. I feel called to do what I can for the the times that are upon us. These loving and empathic attitudes will be more and more needed. I see empathy circles as an important practice to develop these attitudes and behaviours in myself and in others. We will need more humans and communities able to stay deeply and resiliently connected to the practices that foster love and empathy, even in adversity. And for this to be shared to help others to do the same. I want to be one of those humans. On a personal level, I've been involved in facilitating, training, and teaching for over 15 years. I feel deeply satisfied when working with groups of people, I feel in my right place. Over the years, I have also been drawn to environments where people share their feelings deeply. Again, this is the kind of environment where I feel in my right place.

and empathic attitudes will be more and more needed. I see empathy circles as an important practice to develop these attitudes and behaviours in myself and in others. We will need more humans and communities able to stay deeply and resiliently connected to the practices that foster love and empathy, even in adversity. And for this to be shared to help others to do the same. I want to be one of those humans. On a personal level, I've been involved in facilitating, training, and teaching for over 15 years. I feel deeply satisfied when working with groups of people, I feel in my right place. Over the years, I have also been drawn to environments where people share their feelings deeply. Again, this is the kind of environment where I feel in my right place.

15 years. I feel deeply satisfied when working with groups of people, I feel in my right place. Over the years, I have also been drawn to environments where people share their feelings deeply. Again, this is the kind of environment where I feel in my right place.

I'm part of a project called "Connecting with Empathy", which facebook page I shared above. We host online events, where we share and practise alternative ways of communicating, inspired by NVC and other frameworks. I'd like to become an empathy circle facilitator so that I could incorporate this method in our workshops. The goal would be to use the empathy circle method to debate sensitive topics, such as discremination.

We will need more humans and communities able to stay deeply and resiliently connected to the practices that foster love and empathy, even in adversity. And for this to be shared to help others to do the same. I want to be one of those humans.

o be shared to help others to do the same. I want to be one of those humans.

COHORT 5

responses?

To share empathic listening skills locally in the community and to train other facilitators in oceania.

- To become confident and competent at facilitating Empathy Circles as a way offer healing & support through active listening in the community

I would like to be a facilitator, as well as I would like to take the training to see if this is something that we can offer at the Charter Education Institute (CEI) I am the Director of CEI and we are looking for a course to offer for our global audience on this particular skill

I would love to 'spread the word"

Continued interest in continued learning. practice, and sharing. This model is a great way to introduce people in improving their empathy skills; it's simple, and an effective way to expand the practice of empathy.

I'm passionate about building a culture in Uganda whereby everyone is trusted, fully heard and team building.

want to be able to apply in workplace (conflict res, team building, improve morale)

To propagate the practice

I think empathy circles are a powerful way to bring more understanding and connection into the conversations about big societal issues that I believe we need to start coming together to solve as soon as possible. I'd like to contribute to improving understanding between people, especially those with widely diverging opinions, experiences and thoughts, by facilitating empathy circles on such topics. More in general, I also think empathic (or any kind of) listening is largely missing from most spaces in our society, and so I could imagine applying this technique in many spaces if I feel comfortable facilitating.

To meet and share with people interested in empathy and conection

Because it is the most simple and effective practice of a regenerative culture, that I know

It feels great tool to bring people closer

It will strengthen my skills at bringing empathy into all my interactions, and strengthen specific mediation skills

COHORT 4

responses?

I want to do something simple that is a useful contribution towards healing our fragmented and polarised society, without demanding or trying to force change. Empathy Circles strike me as small but mighty. I know facilitating is not the same as teaching, but that saying 'You teach best what you most need to learn" springs to mind.

Listening and understanding is the main thing we need right now

I want to offer something positive

I like the method it is democratic , helpful in allowing people who may be shy to gain confidence it is relaxed and non competitive . Being a facilitator will challenge me to listen deeply. I would like to be able to create that atmosphere which allows others to interact fruitfully and enable valuable clear communication.

I value the importance of giving and receiving empathy. I understand the role it plays in our society and agree that it should be promoted more widely.

I want to see world whereby people communication is improve to build trust, solve conflict and give confidence to people

COHORT 3

responses?

I am a counsellor working with Carl Rogers principles. I would like to get involved in XR and I think I just found that I could do that by running empathy circles. I feel building connections between people is meaningful and opening the door to conflict resolution.

Yes

Our world needs empathy and ways to bridge divides

Exploring the possibilities of designing campaign systems based on EC, and an app to support the format

to have another beautiful tool for connection and building bridges between people

I would like to deepen my empathy practice. I also really love the idea of the Empathy tent and I would love to bring more Empathy to Atlanta GA!

That’s an easy and simple way to get connected with another one, that really helps to understand each other

I like the simplicity of the practice and see it as a way to bring people together.

Facilitate more perspective sharing, improved dialogue, and general culture of empathy.

I’ve been searching for the elegance, simplicity, ethics, and depth of these circles for more than a decade.

To run Listening Circles using the structured dialogue processes.

COHORT 2

responses?

Because I see a dire need for the skill/quality of empathy in today's world

I've done some work with Restorative Circles and NVC

Spreading Empathic dialogue and building a culture of Empathy

In my own opinion, all in one approach to succeeding everywhere is empathy. Empathy boosts 4C's (Communication, Critical thinking, Collaboration and Creativity) for adolescents. Proper and perpetual empathy practices may even lead to build negotiation skills, innovation and productivity for adults. And I also believe that ethics and morality are basically constructed with empathy.

Want to learn how to effectively training people to facilitate Empathy Circles

Work with children.

I wish to learn and understand the different facets of Empathy. And one of the many ways is to be a part of empathy circles. Not having many choices in the local languages, I have been hosting them with my partner and realize the limits of our current skills. So here I am.

I love the idea of creating more empathy between differing viewpoints, especially in today's polarized society, this is very valuable

To host empathy circles

this is essential deep work for activists, i can help facilitate, my way of helping the world

I lead a community organization made up of youths. This will be an opportunity to impact myself, my team and my community as a whole.

I'd like to facilitate empathy circles online, or in my community, or at the school where I work. I'm also interested in further developing my overall groupwork skills.

Personal use, useful in XR context

So I can facilitate Empathy Circles in my community .

I feel like Empathy Circles are a way forward to a better society.