Spirit

First and foremost COOBF sees us as spiritual beings, so that in our process we focus our efforts on making a space safe for all to speak and be heard.

Welcome

Ever finish a great book and you just can't wait to share it? Circle of One Book Forum is all about experiencing that good feeling together. While the idea of a community reading one book together is increasingly common, the book choices and the process for dialogue for Circle of One Book Forum are unique!

The Indigenous Issues Forums folks have put together a seasonal approach to reading and talking together that offers a diverse selection of books for Youth and Adults written by IndigenousAuthors . Each book is specifically chosen to compliment our natural seasons: of reflection (Winter) , new ideas(Spring) , blossoming creativity (Summer) and action (Fall).

So often it seems as if media, educators, and individuals are poised to tell us what we think before we've even had a chance to come up with our own ideas and impressions. The Circle of One Book Forum, however, starts with you. In reading the selection what stood out for you? What confounded you, got your mad or made you laugh? What scenes seemed true? How did the book connect with your life? With our community? What should we be reading next?

Purpose

Circle of One Book Forum Purpose: To gather together in community and talk respectfully about ideas, themes, feelings, and history presented to us by reading one book together.

Deeper Purposes

• To gather together in families and in community settings to talk respectfully about ideas, themes, feelings, and history presented to us by reading one book together.
• To explore our own thoughts and feelings before others -- including critics, media, educators and pundits -- tell us what to think.
• To explore a seasonal approach to reading, reflecting in winter, exploring new ideas in spring, allowing for blossoming creativity in summer, and harvesting our thoughts into action for the fall.
• To strive to unify geographically - and through the heart - those who have distinct ideas about identity, governance, and how to live by having a common and positive experience together.

Guidelines

We rely on shared guidelines that the group agrees to follow to ensure respectful and shared participation. These guidelines include:

• Moderator serves to guide the process.
• We weigh our words before speaking.
• We listen to each other attentively and respectfully.
• We speak from the heart.
• Focus on the topic/question at hand.
• Respect one another's time and space.
• Consider our ancestors, future relatives, and those unable to join us.
• Additions?

Be sure to let us know what works for you.

Prayer

We often call upon an elder or respected person in the community to open with prayer or some words of encouragement for gathering together. This choice is up to you.