EMPATHY SUMMIT
Saturday, April 5, 2025 

 Exploring Empathy Circles:  
The Foundational Practice of the
Empathy Movement

"I truly enjoyed it. Very friendly and welcoming people and comforting atmosphere. LOVELY"



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 transformative Summits, seasoned practitioners and thought leaders converge to explore the profound impact and potential of the Empathy Circle practice. These gatherings serve as a crucible for understanding and advancing the Empathy Movement, with the Empathy Circle at its core.

Key Summit Highlights:

Join Our Thriving Community

Immerse yourself in this unique gathering of empathy enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the concept, the Empathy Circle Summit offers unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.

Be part of the movement that's reshaping human interaction and understanding. Together, we'll explore the boundless potential of empathy in creating a more harmonious world. 

Register Now
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

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

INVITE FRIENDS ON

Be a Speaker
Speakers will have 5 to 15 minutes to speak on some aspect of the Empathy Circle Practice. Send a one sentence bio, the title of your proposed talk, a 2 or 3 sentence abstract for consideration. If you would like to be a speaker, see these instructions.  

Program: Saturday, April 5
Host:  Janna Weiss 

Defining Empathy in the Context of the Empathy Circle #2.
Speaker: Edwin Rutsch (15 min)
 To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

Bio: Edwin Rutsch is 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 #2.


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. 


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

Speaker: Rosa Zubizarreta-Ada, Ph.D.  (15 min)
To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts


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!

The Impact of Empathy and Empathy Circles on Conflict

Speaker: Kathleen Oweegon  (15 min)

To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

Bio: Kathleen’s work is focused on helping communities, organizations, and individuals become empowered to fulfill their greatest potential through dialogue, negotiation, and collaboration.

Topic: The Impact of Empathy and Empathy Circles on Conflict

Abstract: One of the root causes of conflict in every context is the absence of empathy. One of the most powerful tools for resolving conflict and healing relationships is empathy. The empathy that is evoked in Empathy Circles restores our recognition of our shared humanity and inspires a sense of common ground that helps us to find our way to win/win agreements. 

Using Empathy Circles in Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Speaker: Hilleary Zarate   (15 min)

To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

Bio: My training as an Empathy Circle Facilitator in 2024 along with my certification in California as a state mediator, has had an impact in the global empathy movement.
 

Topic: Using Empathy Circles in Conflict Resolution and Mediation 

Abstract:  Learn how to use Empathy Circles in conflict resolution and mediation to support your relationships. The principles of Empathy Circles and conflict resolution and mediation overlap in having a structured dialogue process that is based on mutual active listening. Empathy Circles as part of mediation are the fastest, most economical and lowest risk way to resolve differences, keep yourself moving forward, and heal your relationships.

Balancing with the Empathy Circle 

Speaker: Katrin Valentin  (10 min)

To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

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.

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IMAGES

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Otter.ai 2025-04-05 - Empathy Summit

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/apvkNLsQ_ZaMJ5hfembOB_zpAcA?view=summary

The 2025 Empathy Summit, co-hosted by Jana and Edwin Rutsch, emphasized the importance of empathy circles in fostering mutual understanding and connection. 

Edwin Rutsch highlighted the need for a clear definition of empathy, proposing "holistic empathy" encompassing basic, self, imaginative, and holistic empathy.

 Rosa Zubizarreta discussed empathy circles as a foundational practice for advanced skills like Human Centered Design and nonviolent communication. Kathleen Oweegon shared how empathy circles resolve conflicts by fostering deep listening and understanding. Hilary Zarate reported a 97% success rate in conflict resolution using empathy circles. 

Katherine Valentin detailed various applications of empathy circles in diverse settings, underscoring their role in balancing power dynamics and fostering deeper self-awareness. The 2025 Empathy Summit featured discussions on the importance of empathy in mediation and conflict resolution. 

Speakers emphasized the challenges of self-evaluation and the need for non-judgmental spaces. A case was highlighted where a young woman was ostracized by her family due to political beliefs. The summit also explored the role of AI in empathy, including its potential to enhance mediation and create empathy circles. Participants shared personal experiences and the impact of empathy circles on their lives. Future summits are planned for August and November, focusing on building the empathy movement and involving diverse communities.

Action Items


 

ZOOM Meeting summary for Edwin Rutsch's Personal Meeting Room (04/05/2025) 

Quick recap 

The meeting focused on defining empathy in the context of the Empathy Circle practice, with Edwin Rutsch discussing the importance of having a clear definition of empathy and proposing a holistic model with four components. Participants shared their experiences from the Empathy Circle sessions and discussed upcoming events, including the next Empathy Summit in August and an online Empathy Conference in May. The conversation ended with a debriefing session, where the group discussed the presentations and plans for the next summit, which is almost fully booked. 

Next steps 

• Edwin to move Misha to the August empathy summit as a speaker. 

• Edwin to email Josie Sutton to follow up on her interest and participation. 

• Edwin to plan next steps for future summits at the Friday meeting. 

• Bill to follow up with Quanta and other potential new participants who signed up for online training. 

• All speakers to share their individual presentation clips on social media to promote the empathy movement. 

• All participants to fill out the feedback form for the summit. 

• Interested participants to sign up for the 7th Global Online Empathy Conference next month. 

• Interested participants to sign up for the next empathy summit on August 9th. 

• Interested participants to contact Edwin about being a speaker at future empathy summits. 



Summary 

Defining Empathy in the Empathy Circle 

The presentation focuses on defining empathy in the context of the Empathy Circle practice. Edwin Rutsch, the founding director of the Empathy Center, discusses the importance of having a clear definition of empathy to build the empathy movement. He addresses recent criticisms of empathy and proposes a holistic model with four components: basic empathy, self-empathy, imaginative empathy, and holistic empathy. Rutsch explains how each component manifests in the Empathy Circle practice, using examples and quotes from Carl Rogers to illustrate the concepts. He emphasizes the need for a practical, experience-based definition of empathy to counter misunderstandings and criticisms. 

Edwin's Empathy Circle Meeting Instructions 

In the meeting, Edwin confirmed the rooms were ready and provided instructions for those who wanted to avoid being recorded. He also mentioned that some people had dropped out, but hoped they would stay. He clarified that those with ECF after their name were facilitating the circle and that the empathy circle would last for an hour. The topic for the circle was left open to whatever was on the participants' minds. The conversation ended with the participants being moved to their respective rooms. 

Empathy Circle Sessions and Upcoming Events 

The meeting concludes with participants sharing their experiences from the Empathy Circle sessions. Many express appreciation for the opportunity to listen deeply, learn new things, and connect with others. Edwin provides information about upcoming events, including the next Empathy Summit in August and an online Empathy Conference in May. He encourages attendees to fill out a feedback form, save the chat links, and consider being speakers at future summits. The session ends with a group photograph and applause. 

Debriefing and Planning for Next Summit 

Edwin concludes the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and reminds them to fill out the feedback form. After most participants leave, a small group remains to debrief. They discuss the presentations, noting the insights gained from different cultural perspectives. Ruth mentions she was able to relax and read during the main room session. Jonathan expresses discomfort about a pre-meeting discussion on vaccines, feeling it was off-topic. The group acknowledges the growing interest in empathy circles and plans for the next summit, which is almost fully booked.