EMPATHY SUMMIT
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Exploring Empathy Circles:
The Foundational Practice of the
Empathy Movement
Embedded Files
EMPATHY SUMMIT
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:
Key Summit Highlights:
Personal Narratives: Participants share compelling stories of how the Empathy Circle practice has influenced their lives and work, offering real-world examples of its transformative power.
Mechanics and Efficacy: Experts dissect the inner workings of the practice, explaining why and how it fosters genuine connection and understanding among participants.
Benefits and Challenges: A balanced exploration of the positive outcomes and potential hurdles encountered in implementing Empathy Circles, providing a comprehensive view of the practice.
Empathic Consciousness: Delve into the profound shift in perspective and being that emerges through regular engagement with Empathy Circles.
Innovation and Evolution: Discover how the core Empathy Circle practice has inspired new methodologies and applications across various fields.
Future Horizons: Engage in stimulating discussions about the future potential of Empathy Circles and their role in shaping a more compassionate society.
Community Connection: The Summit serves as a reunion for facilitators, practitioners, trainees, and supporters, fostering a vibrant community of practice.
Join Our Thriving Community
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.
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,
Cara Jean Wilson
The Empathy Center
Summit Team
carajean@takingcarabusiness.com
Co-Host
Janna Weiss
The Empathy Center
Summit Team
thangkha123@gmail.com
Co-Host
Jonathan Gordon
The Empathy Center
Summit Team
jonathan@connectedvallejo.com
Co-Host
Empathy Circles: A Practical Method for Exiting the Drama Triangle
Speaker: Edwin Rutsch (10 min)
To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts
Bio: Edwin Rutsch, Founding Director of The Empathy Center, is a passionate activist for the global empathy movement, a creative developer of empathy-based practices, and a tireless developer and champion of the Empathy Circle. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Topic: Empathy Circles: A Practical Method for Exiting the Drama Triangle
Abstract: Many of the criticisms of empathy say it leads us into the Drama Triangle of Persecutor, Victim, and Rescuer roles. They have it all wrong. In this talk, I’ll share how Wholistic Empathy — and the Empathy Circle process — actually help us step out of the drama and into genuine connection.
From Reflection to Transformation: Empathy Circles and Their Role in Cultivating Change
Speaker: Maša Blaznik (15 min)
Bio: Masha is a psychologist, independent researcher, and founder of the Empathy-Based Society Institute, an initiative dedicated to promoting the purposeful development of empathy at both individual and systemic levels for people, animals, and the planet. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Topic: From Reflection to Transformation: Empathy Circles and Their Role in Cultivating Change
Abstract: In the first part, I will share my experience facilitating weekly empathy circles over the course of a year with the same group and explore how the debriefing stage evolved into an essential component for integrating the inner processes and realizations that emerged during these circles.
In the second part, I will explore the role of empathy circles within the Empathy-Based Society Institute (EBSI)'s programs. EBSI is an initiative dedicated to promoting the purposeful development of empathy at both individual and systemic levels with a mission to raise awareness about the connection between empathy and violence and provide practical tools for cultivating empathy not only in interpersonal relationships but also towards animals, nature, and the planet.
Extending Empathy Circles with NVC and IFS
Speaker: Veronica Wolfe (15 min)
Bio: As an experienced coach and a seasoned corporate and community leader, Veronica specializes in the areas of emotional intelligence (EQ), change, and transitions, and is on a mission to empower individuals, groups, and teams to foster resilience and empathy while effectively taking action in the face of personal and professional changes and challenges. Professional training and certifications in executive, life, and grief coaching, combined with her profound personal journey as a bereaved mom, enable her to empathetically and productively support others in the areas of leadership, EQ, and emotional regulation. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Topic: Extending Empathy Circles with NVC and IFS
Abstract: In our rapidly changing world, the power of empathy has never been more essential. In empathy circles we engage in structured, respectful dialogues, creating a safe space for participants to share their stories, listen deeply, and develop a sense of mutual empathy. Together we’ll explore how to extend the foundational power of empathy circles by including the ‘feelings and needs’ element of nonviolent communication, NVC, and the ‘parts’ aspect of Internal Family Systems, IFS.
Chapter Organizations + Empathy Circles
Speaker: Zak Wear (15 min)
Bio: Zak Wear is an Empathy Circle Facilitator Trainer and Founder of PotluckAction.com, the Empathy Circle app. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Topic: Chapter Organizations + Empathy Circles
Abstract: Empathy Circles are revolutionizing how people can organize change together. With Empathy Circles, you don't need to be a politician, nor an expert, to comfortably negotiate with people who have different opinions or political views. We'll explore how any local chapter organization can take advantage of Empathy Circles.
Empathy Cafes at Petaluma Conversations
Speaker: Lou Zweier (15 min)
Bio: Empathy Circle Facilitation Trainer and developer of the Empathy Circle Facilitation. Lou Zweier has been holding Empathy Circles, training Empathy Circle Facilitators, and working with Edwin Rutsch since 2016; he is a former executive of the California State University System, a current member of the Empathy Center Board of Directors, and a Principal Partner at the Authentic Leadership Center. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Topic: Crossing Social and Political Divides with Empathy Circle Practice
Abstract: Petaluma Conversations is a public listening project that uses Empathy Circle practice to support bridging social and political divides and building capacity in the community to listen to difference. Learn about how it began, how it works, and what the benefits have been.
Exploring Self-Empathy in Empathy Circles
Speaker: Tina Jones (15 min)
Bio: Tina Jones is a highly skilled professional in conflict resolution, holding a master's degree in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution. She specializes in training and facilitating Empathy Circles. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Topic: Exploring Self-empathy in Empathy Circles
Abstract: Navigating the intersection of self-empathy, intrapersonal conflict, and nonviolent communication (NVC) in the Empathy Circle process. My journey highlights the importance of being gentle with ourselves and listening to our inner voices. The Empathy Circle process allows us to reconnect with any emotional detachment we may experience. By embracing the principles of NVC in our thoughts and feelings, we create pathways for understanding and healing. The compassionate dialogue found in Empathy Circles helps us clarify our emotions and fosters a deeper connection with ourselves.
Empathy Circle Online Training: Providing Relief and Hope Around the World
Speaker: Bill Filler (15 min)
Bio: Bill Filler is retired special education teacher who has worked with at-risk children of all ages of rover 30 years. He has been involved in the Empathy Circle since 2017. He co-created the Empathy Circle Facilitator training with Lou Zweier and Edwin Rutsch, and has been holding trainings since March 2020. He is a member of the Empathy Center Board of Directors. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Topic: Empathy Circle Online Training: Providing Relief and Hope Around the World
Abstract: The Participants in our July 2025 online training were from around the world. It included people from Pakistan, India, Turkey, Sweden, and different parts of the United States. These were men and women, people of different ages, religions and spiritual beliefs, and differently abled people. What we learned was that no matter these differences, everyone benefits from being heard and understood.
How Empathy and the Empathy Circle practice changed my life.
Speaker: Alissa Stover (15 min)
Bio: Alissa Stover is a Product Manager on social impact tech, with a circuitous route via professional dance and data science but always guided by empathy.
Topic: How Empathy and the Empathy Circle practice changed my life.
Abstract: Empathy can seem like a small act in the day to day, but when practiced over time snowballs into major impact on one’s life and those connected to you through family, work, and other ways. I will share how I first became fascinated with empathy and Empathy Circle and how this practice has changed my life, from pivoting career paths to the right fit for me to breaking patterns of intergenerational trauma as a parent.
Article: How a simple concept changed my life: Why empathy is a core skill that comes with incredible benefits
11 am PT: Empathy Circle - 90 min
A 90 min participatory dialogue using the Empathy Circle process
Host: Jonathan Gordon
How to Empathy Circle (10 min)
Empathy Circle (1:00 hr)
Debrief (15 min)
Next Steps: (2 min)
Empathy Summit: August 9 Links
Website: http://EmpathySummit.com
Event Page: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/aug-9-2025-empathy-circles
Short URL: https://bit.ly/4iiXEYo
World Times: https://bit.ly/ES4Aug92025
Registration: https://forms.gle/geMTCZfHDRV5rYXL9
Partners: http://EmpathySummit.com/sponsors
Volunteers: http://EmpathySummit.com/volunteers
LinkedIn Event: https://linkedin.com/events/7281880484412858368
Facebook Event: https://Facebook.com/events/1031716842324601/
Feedback: https://forms.gle/JFB6g6bXx8HrGoK47
Final Report Location: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/aug-9-2025-empathy-circles
Feedback Form
Fantastic way to gain a greater understanding of the EC applications and personal impacts that are so inspiring to me and give me greater hope . The diverse presentations and the experience of the speakers have a profound impact on community building and the diverse groups in their empathic listening groups.
Breakout space: I was inspired by how quickly we connected through listening to their individual stories and sharing in the circle. The very open and eye-to-eye conversations were filled with heart. The summit was very inspiring for me. I am grateful to have been there and to have experienced it in the circle with empathy. Thank you, Edwin Rutsch, for your wonderful movement.Great
Looking forward to the replays
It was good to see familiar faces, even if I wasn't remembered, but it was especially good to connect with new people - all shares are gifts.
Great to have circles afterwards. Loved the Speakers/topics and Cara too!
Debrief
Cathy - I feel very heard and very excited about the possibilities that empathy circle circles offer.
Kate - I am so glad I was here today. I feel that the combination of both the learning from the speakers and then the practice of the empathy, empathy circles themselves was just such a wonderful balance. I learned so much, I felt so much, and I'm just very grateful that I was a part of this today.
Bob Brown - what a joy and a treat to be with people who are empathic and compassionate and kind and and loving. It's a it's a great hope for the country. Thank you.
Ed - I'm feeling joy in the in the sense of contentment, not the sense of ecstasy that I think sometimes we may think of joy as, but in a sense of contentment, a warmth, sense of belonging and acceptance, from my participation in the in the circle, and I have one question, and that, as I'm applying the process of applying for the registering for the circles, does this count as an empathy circle? Have I now, have I now attended an empathy circle? So
Shaila - I first of all want to thank all the speakers for sharing their wonderful wisdom with us. I've been a little rusty in the practice of empathy circles for a while due to personal reasons, it would felt wonderful to be part of the group and it felt wonderful to be thrown in at the last minute as a facilitator for my group. So So I enjoyed my time today. Well,
Rosa - Very nice to see some familiar faces here, and especially delightful to see some new folks. Total heartfelt welcome to everybody who's here for the first time. I'm so glad you have found your way here. And thank you to the speakers, especially Zach and Tina. I was very moved in very different ways by both of your presentations. Thank you.
Maria - I also want to thank everybody for being here. It was really inspiring, especially about how important it is to be authentic, to be in touch with ourselves and the entire and show up to each
Alma - I just want to say that it was, it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to speak from the heart and and to connect with three other soulmates in this world. So it was awesome. Thank you.
Alona - Yeah, I can just say thank you very much. The on the whole session, it was very inspiring for me, this experience of diverse group of empathy. And, yeah, thank you so much.
Sandra - I was really glad to be here and glad that I'm from, I'm in Europe, in Ireland, and it was lovely to have it so that I could could be with it in in a full hearted way. And it was great to re engage with empathy and and some of the people that I. Trained with again, and all the presenters were just it was heartwarming to sort of reconnect and and deepen my passion again for for contributing in some way into the empathy circle. So thank you everybody.
Jean - Sure? I just, I just want to thank everyone, our presenters and my circle. You know, I was really angry earlier today, and I'm happy to say that I'm really not anymore.
Quanta - Well, it's wonderful to be here with all of you. My heart is filled with love and my mind is relaxed, as you see in the picture. My head is following my heart.
Yes, thank you. So I'm very thankful for all these speakers today, speaking, sharing their knowledge. And also, I'm very thankful for Edwin to create all this, this movement that I hope that many, many more people can learn. And I'm also thankful for the three other people that shared the first empathy circle with me. Very grateful for that. Thank you. Thank you. Edwin, thank you everybody.
Sally - Oh, yeah, thank you so much. I just really, I love the empathy circles that we had afterwards, because it helped me process everything that I was learning in the the training, I mean, the the presenters, that was just perfect. I mean, it was not only did I get to understand better, but I got some kindred souls to relate with, and it just, it's it every part of me is feeling alive and heart full of heart, so I appreciate it. Thank you so much.
Zach - It's, it's been a few months since I've seen most of my friends here, and so that that like feels really, really good. So good to see you all. And hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
but I would love to say, okay, good. I think this is the most wonderful combination of learning and being heard and connection and empathy. Circles are one of the best parts of my life. Thank you.
Bill Filler - besides a little performance anxiety about being a speaker, and it was just great. It flows so naturally. It's a big part of my life, and it enhances my life. And I was really, you know, blessed to be in a circle with three other lovely women who who I got to know a little bit more. What a great day.
Janna Weiss - Yeah, this is a really lovely Summit. Thank you so much. Thank you to the speakers. And I was really moved also by Yeah, quite a few. And you can listen to the recording of our breakout room with who I shared and found memorable, Zach and Tina and Masha and and, yeah, and it's wonderful to see the familiar faces that I haven't seen in a long time, even though we don't get to be in a breakout room together. Yeah, really wonderful. Thank you so much for this community. I love this practice.
Ingrid - Yeah, I loved reconnecting with Zach and and be in the circle and to get to know somebody from Germany. And so for me, the whole summit is kind of a yes, there's still learning, and there's the experience, but there's also, for me, there's also really the community, this feeling that this is where I belong, and seeing people again and see. The growth and seeing people come in that i i almost like Best of all, there's so much to love, but that's a part that I very much treasure. Thank you all for coming.
Maša Blaznik - I love empathy circles and empathy summits, and I just realized, because I wasn't here in April, that how much I missed this experience of feeling connected and to feel the power of the group with the same values, with the same aspirations. And I think it's so important that we have this feeling that we as connected whole can really start making a big difference in the world. So thank you.
Tina Jones - I just want to say thank you to Edwin, team and team, everyone who made this summit possible, the speakers and all of you. Thank you. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here, and I love this experience. It can spend a better spent better time today than spending it with everyone here. I loved our circle. We were tearing down the facade, and it just felt really good, a place of belonging. And so I can't imagine my life without empathy circles. Thank you.
Daniel - I really enjoyed this whole day. It was fantastic. And thanks Edwin and the whole team put this together. I know it's a lot of work, and I think the empathy summits, you know, I wish that all people who do empathy circles should would see the summits as the place for all of us to come together and and get a sense of all the people that are involved with this. So that's, that's something I'm going to put out, you know, because I think it would be great to have, like, screens and screens of people, filled with people at some point. And we have a particular event coming up for Carl Rogers birthday in January, where we put out a bigger call, sort of worldwide, all the empathy circle, people come together, let's do this. So just starting to ring a bell around that.
Cara Jean - have so many takeaways from today that I am going to deep dive into later, because I am feeling both tired and dra and tired and empty, but not like in a drained way, in like a open and spacious kind of way that I am so grateful for this community manifesting in my world, and due to my own tech challenges, I got to have a little mini empathy circle, which was wonderful.
IMAGES
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse