Healing Circle Keeper Training

***Please note this training will be facilitated in all Spanish.****

About this training

This training aims to provide organizations advocating for immigrant rights with the training necessary to host healing circles within their own base, deepen the connection between their members, and strengthen the organization’s existing organizing work.

Healing circles are an ancient healing modality used by many indigenous communities. These circles are structured dialogues that invite honest sharing, deep listening, and community building. Learn more about our Healing Circle work here.

This is virtual 12-hour training and will be held in over 4 days in February 2025. This training

Training goals

After this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the historical and philosophical roots of healing circles.
• Deepen their understanding of trauma and trauma symptoms affecting immigrant people and their loved ones.
• Identify the components of healing circles, the responsibilities of the keepers, and the preparation process for creating a healing circle container and post-circle work.
• Develop skills as circle keepers/facilitators in immigrant communities to deepen community connection and strengthen existing organizing work.

Training dates

Participant Orientation: Tuesday, January 21, 12-1pm PT | 1-2pm MT | 2-3pm CT | 3-4pm ET

Session 1: Creating a Foundation and Container in Community | February 6, 2025 from 1-4pm PT | 2-5pm MT | 3-6pm CT | 4-7pm ET

• Introduction to the elements, rituals, and philosophical foundations of circles. To facilitate a healing circle, a circle keeper must know the values ​​that circles are based on and the rituals necessary to create safety, vulnerability, and connection within the circle. 

Session 2: Rooting Circle Practice in Healing, Restorative, and Transformative Justice | February 13, 2025 from 1-4pm PT | 2-5pm MT | 3-6pm CT | 4-7pm ET

• Introduction to three philosophies on harm and healing. We will engage in dialogue about the value of circle practice to empower communities affected by detention or deportation and to begin a path to healing.

Session 3: Planning a Healing Circle | February 20, 2025 from 1-4pm PT | 2-5pm MT | 3-6pm CT | 4-7pm ET

• Design healing circles using a set of basic traditions, practices, and rituals that help establish trust and the sharing of our stories.

Session 4: Healing Circle Practice | February 27, 2025 from 1-4pm PT | 2-5pm MT | 3-6pm CT | 4-7pm ET

• Practice healing circles in groups and introduce other important elements during circle practice to adapt our practice to the needs of participants and be prepared for different possible circle scenarios.

About the trainers

Sandra Olarte-Hayes (ella/she/her)

Sandra is a bilingual LCSW, therapist, and circle keeper in Austin, Texas. She is the owner and founder of Lime Tree Therapy, a private practice in Austin, TX that works primarily with adults who have oppression-based trauma.

Both her circle keeping and therapeutic work have focused on working with formerly and currently incarcerated individuals, community organizers, immigrant youth and families, and individuals on both sides of domestic violence. Sandra’s work is grounded in anti-oppressive, relational frameworks and she dedicates much of her energy to initiatives which bridge the gap between healing work and social change movements. She is deeply passionate about bringing healing to individuals on both sides of violence and strongly believes all change, both systemic and personal, are grounded in relationships, connection, and community.

Blanca I. Valentín (ella/she/her)

Blanca is a Boricua licensed clinician, trainer/teacher, healer and coach. Blanca founded Vida Wellness and Counseling in 2022, an organization committed to the healing, wellness, and liberation of communities of color after working in the non-profit industrial complex for many years.

Blanca has over 25 years of experience in clinical, leadership, and workforce learning and development. She is grounded in social justice and anti-oppressive practices; practices that are centered in uplifting voices, holistic healing, and in cultivating wellness in individuals, communities and organizations. Blanca’s work is rooted in honoring ancestral wisdom, community healing and community learning; this has included Restorative and Transformative Circle Practices, as practitioner and trainer for over 10 years.

Requirements

• Application must be filled as an organization. Two people per organization are required to participate in the training.
• This is a virtual training facilitated in Spanish only with no English interpretation.
• Only members of the organization with the ability and commitment to facilitate healing circles within their organization are encouraged to apply.

Other details: The network will cover the training costs. Space is limited and priority will be given to organizations that have the availability to commit to being present at all sessions and who work directly organizing with immigrant communities.