The Empathy Circle's combination of simplicity, effectiveness, and focus on deep listening and understanding makes it a powerful tool for cultivating empathy on both individual and societal levels. Its ability to serve as a foundation for more advanced empathy practices and its adaptability to various contexts solidify its position as the cornerstone of the empathy movement.

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. 

Register Now

Date: Saturday, April 5, 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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PARTNERS AND SPONSORS LIST
Become a summit partner, sponsor or volunteer.

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, April 5

All times are Pacific Time

9:00 am PT  Introduction (5 min)
Host:  

Defining Empathy in the Context of the Empathy Circle.
9:05 am - Speaker: Edwin Rutsch (15 min)

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

• Topic: Defining Empathy in the Context and Structure of the Empathy Circle.

• 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. 

Balancing with the Empathy Circle 

9:?? am - Katrin Valentin (10 min)

• Bio: Prof. Dr. Katrin Valentin works at the Lutheran University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg in Germany.

• Topic: Balancing with the Empathy Circle 

• Abstract: This contribution presents some observations and experiences made during the implementation of various empathy circles. These relate primarily to situations in the field of climate protection, but also in organizational development and in a church context. The aim is to show the extent to which balancing processes take place at various levels, including in relation to emotions, content, power relations and self-relationships.

Opening Minds and Hearts: OMAH, Empathy Circles and Dynamic Facilitation.

9:?? am Speaker: Rosa Zubizarreta-Ada, Ph.D.  (15 min)

• Bio:  Rosa Zubizarreta has a background as a practitioner in organization development and expertise in empathy-based collaborative sense-making practices, Rosa's research focuses on the facilitation of democratic innovations.

• Topic:  Opening Minds and Hearts: OMAH, Empathy Circles and Dynamic Facilitation.

• Abstract:  As a practitioner, active listening / reflection are at the heart of my group facilitation and coaching work; as a researcher, I incorporate these practices into my interviews. As a concept-weaver linking the worlds of theory and practice, I value the ”micro-moments of connection” that Dr. Barbara Fredrickson writes about, and the  "social engagement system” described by Dr. Stephen Porges: the state of relaxed alertness where we can more easily engage with complex thinking, and respond to difference with curiosity rather than as a threat. Last but by no means least, as an imperfect human being, I cherish how Empathy Circles develop our muscle memory for reflecting back what another person is saying; otherwise, it can be hard to remember to do so, when we start to feel triggered — which is when we need it the most!

9:xx am - Bringing Together Empathy Circles and Mindfulness Meditation.

• Speaker: Radhule Weininger (10 min)

• Bio: Radhule Weininger, M.D., Ph.D., is psychologist, medical doctor, meditation teacher, and facilitates empathy circles.  

• Topic: Bringing Together Empathy Circles and Mindfulness Meditation.

• Abstract:   In this talk we will explore the coming together of Empathy Circles and Mindfulness Meditation.  How inner and outer empathy and inner and other mindfulness complement each other in fear, loneliness, and a sense of meaninglessness.

10:00 am PT  Introduction (10 min)
Host:  

Empathy Circles in Action: Building Bridges for Connection and Innovation 

10:?? am Speaker: Misha Safran  (15 min)

• Bio: Misha Safran (she/they), an award-winning speaker and trilingual ICF Professional Certified Coach, empowers leaders and teams to deepen emotional intelligence, foster empathy-driven connections, and create inclusive spaces that inspire collaboration and resilience. 

• Topic: Empathy Circles in Action: Building Bridges for Connection and Innovation 

• Abstract: Explore the transformative power of Empathy Circles in healthcare through personal stories of seeking connection and understanding from medical practitioners. This talk highlights the profound impact of being heard, the challenges of advocating for empathy, and practical steps to foster compassionate care. Discover how Empathy Circles can bridge gaps and inspire healing. 

Grassroots Politics and Game Nights: Hosting an Empathy Circle House Party

10:xx am - Speaker:  Zak Wear  (15 min) 

• Bio: Zak Wear is an Empathy Circle Facilitator Trainer and  Founder of PotLuckAction.com, the Empathy Circle app. 

• Topic: Grassroots Politics and Game Nights: Hosting an Empathy Circle House Party

• Abstract: House parties are a great way to invite friends, family, and neighbors to empathy circles. Whether you just want to introduce the empathy circle, play the Empathy Circle Game, or organize an opportunity to discuss and plug into important social or political issues, we'll discuss details on how to host your first house parties. A free guide will be included for attendees.

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

How to Empathy Circle   (10 min)

Empathy Circle (1:00 hr) 

Debrief (15 min)

Next Steps: (2 min)

Empathy Summit: Links April 5 

Website:    http://EmpathySummit.com
Event Date:              https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/apr-5-2025-empathy-circles
World Times:           https://bit.ly/April5SummitWorldTimes
Registration:     https://bit.ly/RegisterSummitApril5
Partners:    http://EmpathySummit.com/sponsors 
Volunteers:              http://EmpathySummit.com/volunteers
LinkedIn Event:     https://Linkedin.com/events/7272383571456081920/
Facebook Event:    https://Facebook.com/events/404857922618443/ 
Feedback: https://forms.gle/2KGCskMtHdoCKu3LA 
Final Report:    https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/apr-5-2025-empathy-circles

FEEDBACK

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