EMPATHY SUMMIT
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Exploring Empathy Circles:
The Foundational Practice 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:
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
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, November 8, 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.
INVITE FRIENDS
Facebook Event
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,
Ruth Cook
The Empathy Center
Summit Team
jampakytsom@gmail.com
Co-Host
Cara Jean Wilson
The Empathy Center
Summit Team
carajean@takingcarabusiness.com
Co-Host
Janna Weiss
The Empathy Center
Summit Team
thangkha123@gmail.com
Program:
All times are Pacific Time
9:00 am PT Introduction (5 min)
Host:
Topic: Empathic Listening in an Empathy Circle — A profound process of healing and connection
9:xx am - Speaker: Sylvia Haskvitz (15 min)
Bio: Sylvia Haskvitz, MA, RDN, trainer/facilitator/assessor and author has been sharing NVC worldwide since 1989 and was a student of Marshall Rosenberg, the founder of Nonviolent Communication.
Topic: Empathic Listening in an Empathy Circle — A profound process of healing and connection
Abstract: Empathic listening in an Empathy Circle is a powerful process which supports people to open up to their vulnerability which stimulates self-connection and connection with others. Empathy can heal old wounds and supports the person receiving empathy to unravel what is in their hearts and the core of their emotions and what is important to them.
Topic: Using GROKtheWorld Games to Enhance Empathy Circles
9:xx am - Speaker: Jennifer Brummer (15 min)
Bio: Jennifer Brummer has spent the past two years working with GROKtheWorld, an organization dedicated to fostering emotional intelligence and connection through interactive tools and games based on Nonviolent Communication. Before joining GROK, she built a career teaching English to global professionals and developing academic curricula for publishers such as Macmillan, National Geographic Learning, and Oxford University Press. She is currently working toward becoming a CNVC Certified Trainer.
Topic: Using GROKtheWorld Games to Enhance Empathy Circles
Abstract: This talk highlights how GROKtheWorld games transform Empathy Circles into playful, engaging experiences that deepen understanding of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). By incorporating games like Empathy Poker and activities centered around Feelings and Needs fluency, participants can foster connection, emotional awareness, and collaboration in a low-stakes, joy-filled way.
Topic: The Music of Empathy Circles
9:xx am - Speaker: Daniel Hirtz (15 min)
Bio: Daniel Hirtz is a musician, teacher, and workshop leader. He focuses on fostering wholeness, connection, and peace through music, breath, and energy work. He produced the "Breathe for Peace" album, produces conscious breathing and drumming courses online and in-person, and developed "Holistic Tuning." (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)
Topic: The Music of Empathy Circles.
Abstract: Empathy Circles are like drum circles, a form of regulated, structured communication. The felt-sense outcome of both is very similar. Daniel's talk focuses on understanding empathy through the lens of communal music making.
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Defining Empathy in the Context of the Empathy Circle.
9:xx am - Speaker: Edwin Rutsch (15 min)
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.
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.
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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: November 8: Links
Website: http://EmpathySummit.com
Event Page: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/nov-8-2025-empathy-circles
World Times: https://bit.ly/ESNov8
Registration: https://bit.ly/4j1tbzr
Partners: http://EmpathySummit.com/sponsors
Volunteers: http://EmpathySummit.com/volunteers
LinkedIn Event: https://Linkedin.com/events/7281881998950912001/
Facebook Event: https://Facebook.com/events/2938891139610447/
Feedback: https://forms.gle/bQ9NBJP69RdXFJwx9
Final Report Location: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/nov-8-2025-empathy-circles