By serving as both a training ground and a living example of empathic communication, empathy circles provide a solid foundation upon which the broader empathy movement can build and expand its influence.

In these Summits, experienced practitioners delve into the essence of the Empathy Circle practice, elucidating its significance as the cornerstone and entry point of the Empathy Movement.

Speakers Discuss;

• Personal stories of using the practice.

• Why and how does the practice work? 

• What are the benefits and challenges? 

• Deeper insights into the empathic way of being that is created.

• Derivatives built on the Empathy Circle practice.

• What are ideas and potentials for the future?

• Facilitators and Practitioners Reunion. A place for the community of trainers, trainees, facilitators, practitioners and supporters to get together and connect.

• and more! 

Join us in this community of practice. 

Join the Series

• Saturday, November 2, 2024

• Saturday, January 4, 2025 

• Saturday, April 5, 2025

Register Now

Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025

Time: 9 am PT to 12:30 pm PT  -  World Times

Location: Zoom https://zoom.us/j/9896109339  
RECORDING:   Part of the event will be recorded and posted to social media for educational and promotional purposes. You have an option of being in a non recorded breakout group. 

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Speakers and Hosting Team
Speakers will have 5 to 15 minutes to speak on some aspect of the Empathy Circle Practice. If you would like to be a speaker, email EdwinRutsch@gmail.com
Send a one sentence bio, the title of your proposed talk, a 2 or 3 sentence abstract for consideration,

Program: Saturday, January 4
All times are Pacific Time (PT)

9:00 am PT - Introduction  (5 min)
Host:  Ruth Cook 

9:05 am - Defining Empathy in the Context and Structure of the Empathy Circle.

• Speaker: Edwin Rutsch (10 min)

• Bio: Founding Director of The Empathy Center, developer and long term "evangelist" of the Empathy Circle practice.

• Abstract:  To build and grow the Empathy Movement, we need a clear and practical definition of empathy. In this presentation, I will provide a foundational and practical definition within the context and structure of the Empathy Circle. 

9:15 am - How To Bring Empathy Circles Into a Business Context 

• Speaker: Minter Dial  (15 min)

• Bio: Minter Dial is a professional speaker, award-winning author (books include "Heartificial Empathy" and "Making Empathy Count") and documentary filmmaker. 

• Abstract:  In business, one of the biggest issues is poor communications, which tends to be exacerbated by time pressures. Over the last several years, I've been using Empathy Circles with executives within the context of a seminar or training to show the power of active listening. In this session, I'll present how I use the EC in my training and specifically how to integrate the learnings into the business.  

9:30 am - Empathy Warm-Up: Parallel Processing in Empathy Circles. 

• Speaker: Yehuda Tagar  (15 min)

• Bio:  Yehuda Tagar is an Australian, South African, Central European counsellor, psychotherapist, psychosomatic therapist, organisational development consultant and international trainer of the above. He is the founder of Psychophonetics and Methodical Empathy, director of Psychophonetics Institute International, a co-director & dean of studies of School of Empathy in Slovakia (Skola Empatie), UK, Czech Republic and China, and of ‘7 Conditions Consultancy’.  

• Abstract:  To offer empathic responses requires a 'tuning in' - a conscious departure from our normal chats. In 'methodical empathy' we have a process called 'parallel-processing', enabling the clearing of our lenses apparatus in order to hear what is actually being said, not what we think is being said. 

9:45 am - Equity and Inclusion-Focused Empathy Circles Help Create a Culture of Empathy and Belonging at Our Organizations. 

• Speaker: Felicia Darling  (15 min)

• Bio:  Dr. Felicia Darling promotes inclusion and empathy in math classrooms, meetings, campuses, the world.

• Abstract:  Equity- and Inclusion-Focused Empathy Circles Help Create a Culture of Empathy and Belonging at Our Organizations. Circles that focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) topics bring colleagues together and help everyone feel like they belong. DEIA-focused Empathy Circle participants have said, "After what we have experienced in this Empathy Circle... We are all brothers and sisters now (smile)" and "This is the first time I have felt completely heard [at work]."

10:00 am PT   
Host: Edwin Rutsch

10:00 am - Using Empathy Reflection @ Home & Work.

• Speaker: Cara Jean Wilson (15 min)

• Bio: Empathy Facilitator, Executive Coach with Taking CARA Business, and creator of The CARA Method for neurospicy inclusiviTEA.

• Using Empathic Listening @ home & work.

• Abstract: I use the empathetic reflection tool/skill from empathy circles EVERY DAY.  From with my child as a way to help him articulate the world, to my family as a tool for starting family meetings, and in my work as an executive coach as a way to support leaders in a session and as a trainable tool for them to use with their teams. 

10:15 am - "Listening, hearing and speaking from honesty, experience and acute awareness." Sharing my personal impacts of the Empathy Circle.

• Speaker: Ruth Cook (15 min) 

• Bio: Ruth was drawn to becoming an Empathy Circle Trainer and Facilitator, by listening to the courage shared of hardships lived through and are still being living through, via the Empathy Summit of July 2023.

• Abstract: Hearing authentic stories of people who had experienced personal, community and nationwide atrocities, and then entering into an empathy circle for the first time to articulate from my heart with strangers, what I heard, had a big impact on how I began to hear and interpret what others were saying with my friends, colleagues, my own community and strangers.

The Power of Deep Listening in Cultivating Empathy

10:30 am 

• Speaker:  Kathy Kidd (15 min) 

• Bio: Kathy Kidd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Houston Texas and has experienced personal and professional growth over the last 3 1/2 years  through participating in Empathy Circles and as a volunteer with the Culture of Empathy Movement.

• Abstract: Empathy hinges on deep listening, which requires presence, openness, and the suspension of judgment—skills that demand lifelong practice and personal growth. Exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives expands our listening ability, fostering both personal and professional growth.

10:45 am - The Transformational Qualities of an Empathy Circle

• Speaker: Arnold Jaffe (15 min)

• Bio: Arno Jaffe has lived in Santa Barbara 47 years and is an Empathy Circle Trainer

• Abstract: Empathy Circles allow through reflected listening the speaker to go deeper than seemed possible.  By sharing what is alive for them and hearing it reflected back they see things in a different way and clear light.

11 am PT:  Empathy Circle - 90 min
A 90 min participatory dialogue using the Empathy Circle process.
Host: Janna Weiss

How to Empathy Circle   (10 min)

Empathy Circle (1:00 hr) 

Debrief (15 min)

Next Steps: (2 min)

Empathy Summit: Links

Website:   http://EmpathySummit.com
Event Page: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/Jan-4-2025-Empathy-Circles
World Times: https://bit.ly/3UGZbhK
Registration:          https://bit.ly/EmpathySummitJan4 
Partners: http://EmpathySummit.com/sponsors 
Volunteers: http://EmpathySummit.com/volunteers
LinkedIn Event: https://Linkedin.com/events/7261120352741646336/
Facebook Event:       https://Facebook.com/events/590615516743888 
Feedback: https://bit.ly/48FWsel        
Final Report Location: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/Jan-4-2025-Empathy-Circles

Empathy Circles are considered the foundational practice of the Empathy Movement for several key reasons: 

Structured Dialogue for Mutual Understanding

Empathy Circles provide a structured dialogue process that effectively supports meaningful and constructive conversation1. The basic process can be learned relatively quickly, but offers a lifelong practice for deepening listening and empathy skills1. This structured approach ensures that each participant feels fully heard and understood12.

Gateway to Empathy Skills

The Empathy Circle is described as the most effective gateway practice for learning, practicing, and deepening listening and empathy skills1. It serves as an entry point for developing an empathic way of being, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.

Creating "Safe Enough Spaces"

Empathy Circles create safe enough spaces where people can talk, vent, and express themselves freely4. This is particularly important during times of crisis or when addressing sensitive topics. The practice allows for authentic sharing and connection among participants.

Breaking Echo Chambers

By bringing together diverse groups of people, Empathy Circles help break down echo chambers and promote understanding across different perspectives4. This is crucial for fostering empathy on a broader societal level.

Versatility and Adaptability

Empathy Circles can be adapted to various settings and purposes, from corporate environments to community groups3. They can address a wide range of topics and be used in different formats, such as the Empathy Café or more structured dialogues2.

Building Empathic Communities

The practice helps in building supportive, empathic communities5. It creates opportunities for people to connect on a deeper level, fostering relationships and networks based on mutual understanding and empathy.

Promoting a Culture of Empathy

Ultimately, Empathy Circles contribute to the larger vision of building a culture of empathy5. They serve as a practical tool for promoting and fostering the value and experience of empathy on a global scale.

By providing a simple yet powerful method for practicing empathy, Empathy Circles lay the groundwork for broader empathic engagement and understanding, making them a cornerstone of the Empathy Movement.