Mediation & Circle Guidelines

• All phones are turned off or on silent.

• What is said in the room or circle stays in the room or circle – remains confidential.

• Each person is allowed to speak uninterrupted.

  • • In circle: the person with the talking piece is the one who speaks.

• Each person has an opportunity to speak or to pass.

  • • In circle: when the talking piece is passed on to a person, he/she may pass.

• Use a respectful tone and respectful language.

  • • No yelling or name calling.

• Speak for yourself only.

• Use “I feel” statements.

  • “I feel ______ when ______ happens, because ______. I would like _______ to happen.”

• Listen with your full attention.

• Surrender all judgments, any opinions of good or bad.

What can be shared outside the room is your experience of how you felt or any insights you took away.

What remains confidential is “what was said specifically and who said it or any private information shared.”