Reminder: Register for a Listening Circle; Facilitators for Each Session Announced

With the crisis of the current pandemic, there has been an increased awareness of the stressors faced by ALL our staff and the need to provide quality supports. One of the supports we are making available for our staff, starting in November, are Listening Circles. 

The goal is to create a brave space for staff to be heard, free of judgment, and with no fear of consequences for speaking their truth. It is believed that this practice will be helpful for building and maintaining a healthy community in which ALL staff feel connected and respected. Listening circles have been scheduled at various times throughout the day to accommodate as many schedules as possible.  

Facilitators

The first and second facilitators for each of the sessions (as they stand today) are listed below. 

Nov. 19, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.      Jadie Boens & TBD 

Nov. 20, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.                  Rebecca Carver & Jadie Boens 

Nov. 23, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.                Emily Donovan & Dave Wood 

Nov. 24, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.                  Dave Wood & Emily Donovan 

Nov. 30, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.                Stacey Warren & TBD 

Dec. 1, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.                    TBD & TBD 

Dec. 7, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.                    Dorothy Landon & Jean Boger 

Dec. 8, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.                Jean Boger & Brianna Sayre-Geiser 

Dec. 9, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.        Andrea Matheson & Aimee Schuppe 

Dec. 14, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.                 Rebecca Carver & Kari Miller 

Dec. 16, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.                 Aimee Schuppe & TBD 

Dec. 17 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.                  Jay Boens & TBD 

Brenda Gerdes (SEBMH/Prof. Learning & Leadership Consultant/JO) lends her encouragement to staff to register for a session. 

“I know you have likely heard about Heartland AEA providing Listening Circles. I wanted to tell you I just participated in a practice circle, and while it was only a practice, I was very surprised how helpful it was. This first round of circles will focus on the pandemic and how it has had an impact on us directly as well as vicariously. If you are curious or on the fence about participating, I want to encourage you to take the plunge and register for one. They are not therapy sessions or admiring problems sessions, and it truly felt relieving to share even with colleagues I didn't know very well.” 

Listening Circles Flyer 

Registration