Circle of Courage
A Model of Youth Emplowerment
The Circle of Courage, is a model supported by contemporary research, the heritage of early youth work pioneers and the wisdom of Indigenous culture in caring for our children. The model is encompassed in Four Core values: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. The central theme of this model is that a set of shared values must exist in any community to create environments that ultimately benefit children and adults alike.
The Circle of Courage philosophy was developed by Dr. Larry Brendtro, Dr. Martin Brokenleg, and Dr. Steve Van Bockern, of Augustana College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and they published Reclaiming Youth at Risk: Our Hope for the Future. The authors suggested that children who are often referred to as “alienated”, “troubled” or “difficult” are at risk because they live in an environment that is hazardous - one that breeds discouragement. By contrast, an environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle, even courage, by providing the four core values is one that fosters change to meet the needs of the young person and society; and can 'reclaim our youth' who are at risk.
The model is represented by a Circle - the medicine wheel - that is divided into quadrants. The Circle is sacred and suggests the interconnectedness of life. Likewise, it expresses the sacredness of the number four - the four directions, the four elements of the universe, and the four races of humankind. Each quadrant of the CIRCLE OF COURAGE stands for a central value - belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. It represents the “cultural birthright for all the world’s children.”
The Circle of Courage is a philosophy that integrates the best of Western educational thought with the wisdom of Indigenous cultures, and emerging research on positive youth development. Research is demonstrating that the Circle of Courage philosophy is not just some wishful thinking, or a throw-back to a simpler time. It is demonstrating that to have a fulfilled and meaningful life, children, adults and staff as well!...need to have a sense of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity in their lives. While the four dimensions of the Circle of Courage can be described individually, they must also be viewed as one in an organization that serves children who are at risk.
For more information please refer to the book Reclaiming Youth at Risk: Our Hope for the Future. It offers insight into the four values of: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity.
Learn more at Starr Commonwealth
Core Values
Belonging
In Native American and First Nations cultures, significance was nurtured in communities of belonging. Lakota anthropologist Ella Deloria described the core value of belonging in these simple words: “Be related, somehow, to everyone you know.” Treating others as kin forges powerful social bonds that draw all into relationships of respect. Theologian Martin Marty observed that throughout history the tribe, not the nuclear family, always ensured the survival of the culture. Even if parents died or were not responsible, the tribe was always there to nourish the next generation.
Mastery
Competence in traditional cultures is ensured by guaranteed opportunity for mastery. Children were taught to carefully observe and listen to those with more experience. A person with greater ability was seen as a model for learning, not as a rival. Each person strives for mastery for personal growth, but not to be superior to someone else. Humans have an innate drive to become competent and solve problems. With success in surmounting challenges, the desire to achieve is strengthened.
Independence
Power in Western culture was based on dominance, but in tribal traditions it meant respecting the right for independence. In contrast to obedience models of discipline, Native teaching was designed to build respect and teach inner discipline. From earliest childhood, children were encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and show personal responsibility. Adults modeled, nurtured, taught values, and gave feedback, but children were given abundant opportunities to make choices without coercion.
Generosity
Finally, virtue was reflected in the preeminent value of generosity. The central goal in Native American child-rearing is to the teach the importance of being generous and unselfish. In the words of a Lakota Elder, “You should be able to give away your most cherished possession without your heart beating faster.” In helping others, youth create their own proof of worthiness: they make a positive contribution to another human life.