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:

1. 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.

2. Mechanics and Efficacy: Experts dissect the inner workings of the practice, explaining why and how it fosters genuine connection and understanding among participants.

3. 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.

4. Empathic Consciousness: Delve into the profound shift in perspective and being that emerges through regular engagement with Empathy Circles.

5. Innovation and Evolution: Discover how the core Empathy Circle practice has inspired new methodologies and applications across various fields.

6. Future Horizons: Engage in stimulating discussions about the future potential of Empathy Circles and their role in shaping a more compassionate society.

7. 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. 

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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: 

All times are Pacific Time

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

Topic: Empathy Circles and Consciousness
9:05 am - Speaker:  Bob Brown  10 min 

• Bio: Bob Brown is a pilgrim on the spiritual journey. For years, he hosted an Empathy Tent in Thousand Oaks, California and offered empathic listening. Life has improved immeasurably since connecting with Edwin Rutsch and the Empathy Tent in 2017.  (LinkedIn) (Facebook)

• Topic:  Empathy Circles and Consciousness

• Abstract:  Participating in Empathy Circles is a great help in expanding consciousness.  By listening for understanding rather than listening to reply, a person can feel more at home in the universe.  The Empathy Circle experience can strengthen one's relationships with more and more of our human family. 

Topic: Empathic Listening in an Empathy Circle — A profound process of healing and connection
9:15  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.   (LinkedIn) (Facebook)

• 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
9:30 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.  (LinkedIn) (Facebook)

• 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  
9:45 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. 

10:00 am PT  
Host:  TBD

Defining Empathy in the Context of the Empathy Circle.
10:00 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.  (LinkedIn) (Facebook)

• 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. 

Topic:  Philosophy, Psychology, and the Empathy Circle Practice
10:xx am - Speaker:  Johanna (Jodie) Madsen Jensen  (15 min)

• Bio:  Jodie is an empathy researcher at Brigham Young University.   (LinkedIn) (Facebook)

• Topic:  Philosophy, Psychology, and the Empathy Circle Practice 

• Abstract:   I would like to talk about the philosophy and psychology that have led to some of the misunderstandings of empathy. I will then share some alternative philosophical underpinnings that can foster mutual empathy. Then I will overlay these definitions on the empathy circle practice. 

Topic:  
10:xx am - Speaker:  Janna Weiss

• Bio:  (LinkedIn) (Facebook)

• Topic:  

• Abstract:   

Topic:  Empathy Tea Circles in Mt. Shasta, California
10:xx am - Speaker:  Clayton "Shree Hari" Barker  (10 min)

• Bio:  I am that I am.   (LinkedIn) (Facebook)

• Topic:   Empathy Tea Circles in Mt. Shasta, California

• Abstract:   I don't remember many of the Empathy Tea Circles we had and what we talked about. I hosted them at SHE of A Thousand Angels Temple and Welcome OM CommuniTea House and in my own home.  I have failed to be able to magnetize people to use Empathy Tea Circles when there is a painful conflict.  That has not worked - they only work when people want to discuss a topic in the community that is NOT a painful conflict. I may need to now learn the Restorative Empathy Circle Process and add Tea to that.

11 am PT:  Empathy Circle - 90 min
Host: TBD
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
Short URL:                      https://bit.ly/44lxDEf 
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