Inspired Voices Circles

Inspired Voices Circles  are group facilitated meetings developed to build positive networks of energy. It is taught in a two hour interactive workshop format.

The format for Inspired Voices originated from activities developed by MaRi Eagar for the J&J Development Trust – Women’s Development Initiative. headed by Jay Naidoo who is currently on the board of directors of the  Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition.

The underlying principles of the workshop are based on Appreciative Inquiry and Positive Deviance – combining these concepts to focus attention on the qualities and actions of people who are inspiring despite experiencing negative situations in their communities. Through a structured process, participants examine these unsong heroes, and start developing their own personal narrative which inspires them to not only continue their own growth, but also learn how to stimulate such energy producing meetings themselves.

The ultimate aim of these workshops is based on the concept of “Each One Teach One” so that participants can sustain the momentum by teaching others how to run Inspired Voices Circles.

For more information about Inspired Voices facilitation and training, please email mari@mipath.co

Research from complexity scientists discovered that positive people create what is called “positive networks of influence” which improves the overall positivity and energy of an entire eco-system. These networks over-ride negative cultures and environments, and are more powerful than poential negative actions from people’s closest family and friends. The purpose of the Inspired Voices Circles is to stimulate such positive networks of influence which will improve productivity, self-esteem and promote a culture where excellence is celebrated.
During the workshop participants will learn from each other about the qualities of inpiring people. Through a process of story-telling, they will gain insight into their own lives and develop their own “narrative” about how they inspire others. The participants will also learn the concept of “each one teach one” as a way to transfer the knowledge and technique to continue building networks of inpired voices. They learn that there is no one recipe for success, and that different role models offer different examples for inspiration.
Participants learn in a practical way to focus attention on “what is good with other people” and why it is important to celebrate success. The process encourages positive energy and inspires participants to bring about changes in their lives. They understand how they can apply their own strengths in the process. It demonstrates how accessible it is to be happy and successful. Participants who want to can learn the facilitation technique and start other Inspired Circles.
Inspired Circles are typically two hour long sessions offered within a group of at least 10 participants. There is no limit on the maximum number of participants.