ABSTRACT

Story Circles are an adaptable, practical tool that can be used in many different contexts and situations around the world for developing individuals’ intercultural competencies and bridging divides. It can be used in a wide variety of settings, including in schools, communities, international development organizations, religious organizations, and professional trainings. The purpose of the intercultural prompt used in Story Circles is to have participants reflect on their own personal experiences with those who are different from them and share an experience so that the others in the group can begin to see from a different perspective. The role of facilitators in Story Circles is to introduce the process, provide instructions on the process, organize the participants into small groups, be available if any questions or issues arise while small groups are engaged in the Story Circle process, and facilitate the debrief of the experience.