Samoan Circle

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Brief Description:

The Samoan circle is a meeting without a leader. Instead there is a "professional facilitator" who helps participants by listening, getting involved when necessary and explaining the process.

Description:

The Samoan circle has people seated in a circle within a circle, however only those in the inner circle are allowed to speak. The inner circle should represent all the different viewpoints present, and all others must remain silent. The process offers others a chance to speak only if they join the ?inner circle?.

One or two representatives for each of the views present remain in inner circle of Samoan Circle. Surrounded by a number of 'open chairs', they sit in a semi-circle for the entire discussion. The representatives discuss the issues with each other as the larger group listens. Anyone from the larger
group who wishes to join the conversation may do so by coming forward at any time and taking one of the open chairs.

Used For:

Help active participation by all parties interested in or affected by an issue.

Develop community capacity.

To build alliances, consensus.

Suitable participants:

Businesses, charities and other organisations are all suitable.

Cost:

Low/Medium. Requirements include:

Suitable venues

Microphones

Staff (including facilitator)

Recorders

Time Requirements:

This can be anything over a period of 6 weeks to 6 months, according to some sources.

When To Use / What It Can Deliver:

To resolve issues.

To engage a smaller number of people (between 10-20).

To build relationships.

When Not To Use / What It Cannot Deliver:

For large, public engagement.

If you do not have a trained facilitator.

Strengths:

Works best with controversial issues.

Can avoid polarising opinions.

Allows large numbers of people to be involved.

Weaknesses:

The circle can become monopolised.

Requires a trained facilitator.

Origin:

Case Studies:

Related Methods

Study Circle

Restrictions In Use

None

Further Information

For further information, please see:

Department of Sustainability and Environment (Australia), Effective Engagement, Available at:
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/wcmn203.nsf/LinkView/CFC5C63CF230313FCA25708800279A6EE8A8160E2DF5E74FCA257091000EDA33

and

Kraybill, R (2001) ?Facilitation skills for interpersonal transformation?, Berghof handbook for conflict resolution, Berghof Center. Available at: http://www.berghof-handbook.net/general_intro.htm

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