Become a Circle Facilitator.
Sit in the circle with young people across Toronto. We train you, pair you with experienced facilitators and support you as you grow.
Circles are how we work.
A restorative circle gives every young person a voice. Circle Facilitators guide the conversation, keep the space safe and help young people repair harm and take accountability.
In schools
Classroom and group circles that build community and keep students engaged in school.
In community
Group programs like Leaders of Tomorrow and Sister 2 Sister, where young people lead and connect.
In justice
Restorative circles with young people involved with the justice system, as a way to resolve a charge outside of court.
The Circle Facilitator Pathway
From your first training to leading circles. Two training steps, then you grow with experience.
Core Training
Everyone starts here. Six modules on who we are, how circles work and how to keep youth safe.
You become a Circle Facilitator in training
Choose your stream
One or both. You become a trained Circle Facilitator.
Level 1 Circle Facilitator
Co-facilitate alongside an experienced lead in group and prevention programs.
Level 1 certificate of completion once your training is complete and you are on the roster
Level 2 Circle Facilitator
Lead circles independently, including 1:1 circles and intervention work.
Earned with experience and a conversation with staff
What you'll learn
Complete Core Training and at least one stream. You can add the second stream at any time.
Core Training
- Intro to Peacebuilders
- Introductory circles and restorative practices
- Effective communication and active listening
- Youth mentorship orientation
- Duty to report and confidentiality
- Trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practice
Restorative School and Community Stream
- Restorative School Programs: classroom and group circles
- Community programs: Leaders of Tomorrow and Sister 2 Sister
Restorative Justice Stream
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Understanding the YCJA
- Self-identity and cultural awareness
- Report writing for the justice system
- Restorative circles in Leaders of Tomorrow
You train with a cohort
In-person modules are grouped, so you make fewer trips and get to know the people you'll facilitate with.
Online on your schedule
Online modules are done at your own pace and are due within 30 days of your in-person training.
Shadow before you lead
After Core Training you can observe a circle. Once your stream is done, you shadow and co-facilitate.
Questions we hear
Do I need experience?
No. Level 1 is where everyone begins, and training covers what you need to start.
How much time does training take?
12 hours for the School and Community route and 20 hours for the Restorative Justice route, Core Training included.
When and where is training?
Dates and format vary by region. We'll share the next cohort's details when you apply.
Are Circle Facilitators paid?
Circle Facilitators receive honoraria for their work.
Can I do both streams?
Yes. Start with one and add the second when you have time.
Ready to sit in the circle?
Email Lorna Richards, Director, Programs and Capacity Building, at lrichards@peacebuilders.ca. Tell her a little about yourself and which stream interests you.