Circle of Courage
Encyclopedia
The Circle of Courage is a model of positive youth development
based on the universal principle that to be emotionally healthy all youth
need a sense of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. This unique model integrates the cultural wisdom of tribal peoples, the practice wisdom of professional pioneers with troubled youth, and findings of modern youth development research.
The Circle of Courage model portrays four universal growth needs of all children: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. This philosophy emerged from collaboration of Martin Brokenleg, a professor of Native American Studies
, and Larry Brendtro
, a professor in children’s behavior disorders. They studied how traditional indigenous cultures were able to rear respectful, responsible children without resorting to coercive discipline. Their findings were first presented in 1988 to an international conference of the Child Welfare League of America
in Washington, DC, and at the Trieschman Center in Boston
. The Circle of Courage is illustrated as a medicine wheel
with four directions.
In 1990, the Circle of Courage entered the mainstream of education
and youth work
with the publication of Reclaiming Youth at Risk by Larry Brendtro
, Martin Brokenleg, & Steve Van Bockern who were then colleagues at Augustana College
. The model has been used as a basis for hundreds of articles and dozens of books.
Dean of Training of the Circle of Courage Institute Martin Brokenleg and colleagues have presented to 200,000 professionals worldwide. The model was adopted to transform youth services in South Africa
during the administration of the first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela
under leadership of Minister Geraldine Moloketi and Lesley du Toit. This led in 2005 to the Response Ability Pathways (RAP) curriculum which provides universal training on applying the Circle of Courage to all who work with youth.
The Circle of Courage was painted by Lakota artist George Blue Bird. The four directions portray universal human needs for belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. These are the foundations for resilience
and positive youth development
.
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 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.
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.
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
.
Finally, virtue was reflected in the preeminent value of generosity. The central goal in Native American
child-rearing is to 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.
Reclaiming Youth at Risk by Larry Brendtro
, Martin Brokenleg, & Steve Van Bockern. An overview of the Circle of Courage model which applies Native American principles of child rearing to education, treatment, and youth development.
Reclaiming Children and Youth journal, edited by Larry Brendtro
, Nicholas Long, & Martin Mitchell (Published quarterly from 1994 to present). Includes topical issues on a full range of strength-based interventions for children experiencing emotional and behavioral problems. Published by Circle of Courage Institute at Starr Commonwealth, Sioux Falls, SD.
Positive Peer Culture: A Selected Bibliography edited by George Giacobbe, Elaine Traynelis-Yurek, Larry Powell, & Erik Laursen. Summarizes research on peer helping grounded in Circle of Courage principles of attachment, achievement, autonomy, and altruism.
The EQUIP Program by John Gibbs, Granville Potter, & Arnold Goldstein. Integrates Positive Peer Culture with research on Aggression Replacement Training.
Strength-Based Strategies for Children and Youth: An Annotated Bibliography edited by George Giacobbe, Elaine Traynelis-Yurek, & Erik Laursen. Reviews research on Positive Peer Culture, teamwork approaches, and cognitive restructuring.
Reclaiming Our Prodigal Sons and Daughters by Scott Larson & Larry Brendtro
. Applies Circle of Courage principles to faith-based organizations and those concerned with spiritual development of youth.
Restructuring for Caring and Effective Education by Richard Villa & Jacqueline Thousand. A text on the paradigm shift and strategies for creating inclusive schools and classrooms.
Schools with Spirit: Nurturing the Inner Lives of Children and Teachers edited by Linda Lantieri. Discusses Circle of Courage values as central to social and emotional learning in this exposition on transforming schools.
Mentoring for Talent Development edited by Ken McCluskey & Annabelle Mays. Integrates concepts from gifted education, creativity, and mentoring marginalized young people.
Troubled Children and Youth: Turning Problems into Opportunities by Larry Brendtro
& Mary Shahbazian. Presents research based strategies for using crisis as opportunity and cultivating strengths in young people.
Kids Who Outwit Adults by John Seita & Larry Brendtro
. Discloses the private logic behind troubled and defiant acts and strategies to reach adult-wary youth.
No Disposable Kids by Larry Brendtro
, Arlin Ness, & Martin Mitchell. Challenges the notion that any kid is “too far gone” to be helped and shares strategies based on research and actual cases.
Response Ability Pathways: Restoring Bonds of Respect by Larry Brendtro
& Lesley du Toit with foreword by Martin Brokenleg. This text accompanies RAP training which provides practical training on connecting with youth in conflict, clarifying problems and challenges, and restoring harmony.
Kinder stärken Kinder [Children helping children] by Gunther Opp & Nicola Unger. Applies strength-based principles for building positive peer cultures to emotionally troubled students.
The Resilience Revolution by Larry Brendtro
& Scott Larson. Practical strategies to help children overcome pain in their lives and develop resilience.
Conflict in the Classroom: Positive Staff Support for Troubled Students by Nicholas Long, William Morse, Frank Fescer, and Ruth Newman. An exhaustive compendium of articles on all aspects of building safe and reclaiming schools.
Connecting with Kids in Conflict: A Life Space Legacy by William C. Morse. Historical perspectives and principles by a pioneer in the education and treatment of troubled children, William C. Morse [1915-2008] of the University of Michigan.
Deep Brain Learning: Pathways to Potential with Challenging Youth by Larry Brendtro
, Martin Mitchell, & Herm McCall. Identifies evidence-based principles for effective interventions with challenging children and youth through a consilience of neuroscience, positive psychology, practice wisdom, and expertise of children and families.
Kündenorientierung-Partizipation-Respekt [Client focused-participation-respect] edited by Karen Sanders & Michael Bock. Highlights new directions in youth work including Positive Peer Culture and RAP models.
Classroom Management: Engaging Students in Learning by Tim McDonald. Develops a “Positive Learning Framework” based on Circle of Courage principles with strategies for developing environments where students can flourish.
TherapyWise: Creating Courage from Within by Robert Foltz (in press). The essential guide for teens in therapy (and their parents) for getting most out of treatment with psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors.
Circle of Courage Institute http://www.circleofcourageinstitute.org
International Child and Youth Care Network, led by Brian Gannon, Thom Garfat, and Leon Fulcher http://www.cyc-net.org
Reclaiming Children and Youth Journal http://www.reclaimingjournal.com
Reclaiming Youth International http://www.reclaiming.com
Psychoeducational Network, edited by Dr. Charles Chrystal http://www.psychoED.net
Starr Commonwealth http://www.starr.org
Positive youth development
Positive youth development, or PYD, refers to intentional efforts of other youth, adults, communities, government agencies, and schools to provide opportunities for youth to enhance their interests, skills, and abilities into their adulthoods...
based on the universal principle that to be emotionally healthy all youth
Youth
Youth is the time of life between childhood and adulthood . Definitions of the specific age range that constitutes youth vary. An individual's actual maturity may not correspond to their chronological age, as immature individuals could exist at all ages.-Usage:Around the world, the terms "youth",...
need a sense of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. This unique model integrates the cultural wisdom of tribal peoples, the practice wisdom of professional pioneers with troubled youth, and findings of modern youth development research.
History
The Circle of Courage model portrays four universal growth needs of all children: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. This philosophy emerged from collaboration of Martin Brokenleg, a professor of Native American Studies
Native American Studies
Native American Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that examines the history, culture, politics, issues and contemporary experience of Native peoples in North America, or, taking a hemispheric approach, the Americas...
, and Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
, a professor in children’s behavior disorders. They studied how traditional indigenous cultures were able to rear respectful, responsible children without resorting to coercive discipline. Their findings were first presented in 1988 to an international conference of the Child Welfare League of America
Child Welfare League of America
The Child Welfare League of America or CWLA is the oldest child welfare organization in the United States. The organization's primary objective is to "Make Children a National Priority...
in Washington, DC, and at the Trieschman Center in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
. The Circle of Courage is illustrated as a medicine wheel
Medicine wheel
Medicine wheels, or sacred hoops, were constructed by laying stones in a particular pattern on the ground. Most medicine wheels follow the basic pattern of having a center of stone, and surrounding that is an outer ring of stones with "spokes", or lines of rocks radiating from the center...
with four directions.
In 1990, the Circle of Courage entered the mainstream of education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
and youth work
Youth work
In the United Kingdom youth work is the process of creating an environment where young people can engage in informal educational activities. Different varieties of youth work include centre-based work, detached work, school-based work and religion based work....
with the publication of Reclaiming Youth at Risk by Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
, Martin Brokenleg, & Steve Van Bockern who were then colleagues at Augustana College
Augustana College (South Dakota)
Augustana College is a private, liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. The campus makes the school the largest private university in South Dakota...
. The model has been used as a basis for hundreds of articles and dozens of books.
Dean of Training of the Circle of Courage Institute Martin Brokenleg and colleagues have presented to 200,000 professionals worldwide. The model was adopted to transform youth services in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
during the administration of the first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing...
under leadership of Minister Geraldine Moloketi and Lesley du Toit. This led in 2005 to the Response Ability Pathways (RAP) curriculum which provides universal training on applying the Circle of Courage to all who work with youth.
Four Directions of the Circle
The Circle of Courage was painted by Lakota artist George Blue Bird. The four directions portray universal human needs for belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. These are the foundations for resilience
Resilience
Resilience is the property of a material to absorb energy when it is deformed elastically and then, upon unloading to have this energy recovered. In other words, it is the maximum energy per unit volume that can be elastically stored...
and positive youth development
Positive youth development
Positive youth development, or PYD, refers to intentional efforts of other youth, adults, communities, government agencies, and schools to provide opportunities for youth to enhance their interests, skills, and abilities into their adulthoods...
.
Belonging
In Native American
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
and First Nations
First Nations
First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...
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 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
Discipline
In its original sense, discipline is referred to systematic instruction given to disciples to train them as students in a craft or trade, or to follow a particular code of conduct or "order". Often, the phrase "to discipline" carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order –...
, 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
Coercion
Coercion is the practice of forcing another party to behave in an involuntary manner by use of threats or intimidation or some other form of pressure or force. In law, coercion is codified as the duress crime. Such actions are used as leverage, to force the victim to act in the desired way...
.
Generosity
Finally, virtue was reflected in the preeminent value of generosity. The central goal in Native American
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
child-rearing is to 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.
Annotated Bibliography: Circle of Courage Related Publications
Reclaiming Youth at Risk by Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
, Martin Brokenleg, & Steve Van Bockern. An overview of the Circle of Courage model which applies Native American principles of child rearing to education, treatment, and youth development.
Reclaiming Children and Youth journal, edited by Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
, Nicholas Long, & Martin Mitchell (Published quarterly from 1994 to present). Includes topical issues on a full range of strength-based interventions for children experiencing emotional and behavioral problems. Published by Circle of Courage Institute at Starr Commonwealth, Sioux Falls, SD.
Positive Peer Culture: A Selected Bibliography edited by George Giacobbe, Elaine Traynelis-Yurek, Larry Powell, & Erik Laursen. Summarizes research on peer helping grounded in Circle of Courage principles of attachment, achievement, autonomy, and altruism.
The EQUIP Program by John Gibbs, Granville Potter, & Arnold Goldstein. Integrates Positive Peer Culture with research on Aggression Replacement Training.
Strength-Based Strategies for Children and Youth: An Annotated Bibliography edited by George Giacobbe, Elaine Traynelis-Yurek, & Erik Laursen. Reviews research on Positive Peer Culture, teamwork approaches, and cognitive restructuring.
Reclaiming Our Prodigal Sons and Daughters by Scott Larson & Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
. Applies Circle of Courage principles to faith-based organizations and those concerned with spiritual development of youth.
Restructuring for Caring and Effective Education by Richard Villa & Jacqueline Thousand. A text on the paradigm shift and strategies for creating inclusive schools and classrooms.
Schools with Spirit: Nurturing the Inner Lives of Children and Teachers edited by Linda Lantieri. Discusses Circle of Courage values as central to social and emotional learning in this exposition on transforming schools.
Mentoring for Talent Development edited by Ken McCluskey & Annabelle Mays. Integrates concepts from gifted education, creativity, and mentoring marginalized young people.
Troubled Children and Youth: Turning Problems into Opportunities by Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
& Mary Shahbazian. Presents research based strategies for using crisis as opportunity and cultivating strengths in young people.
Kids Who Outwit Adults by John Seita & Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
. Discloses the private logic behind troubled and defiant acts and strategies to reach adult-wary youth.
No Disposable Kids by Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
, Arlin Ness, & Martin Mitchell. Challenges the notion that any kid is “too far gone” to be helped and shares strategies based on research and actual cases.
Response Ability Pathways: Restoring Bonds of Respect by Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
& Lesley du Toit with foreword by Martin Brokenleg. This text accompanies RAP training which provides practical training on connecting with youth in conflict, clarifying problems and challenges, and restoring harmony.
Kinder stärken Kinder [Children helping children] by Gunther Opp & Nicola Unger. Applies strength-based principles for building positive peer cultures to emotionally troubled students.
The Resilience Revolution by Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
& Scott Larson. Practical strategies to help children overcome pain in their lives and develop resilience.
Conflict in the Classroom: Positive Staff Support for Troubled Students by Nicholas Long, William Morse, Frank Fescer, and Ruth Newman. An exhaustive compendium of articles on all aspects of building safe and reclaiming schools.
Connecting with Kids in Conflict: A Life Space Legacy by William C. Morse. Historical perspectives and principles by a pioneer in the education and treatment of troubled children, William C. Morse [1915-2008] of the University of Michigan.
Deep Brain Learning: Pathways to Potential with Challenging Youth by Larry Brendtro
Larry Brendtro
Larry K. Brendtro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author and advocate for children and youth at risk.PersonalLarry K. Brendtro was born on July 26, 1940 in South Dakota. He married Janna in 1973 and they have three grown children. The couple resides in the Black Hills of South...
, Martin Mitchell, & Herm McCall. Identifies evidence-based principles for effective interventions with challenging children and youth through a consilience of neuroscience, positive psychology, practice wisdom, and expertise of children and families.
Kündenorientierung-Partizipation-Respekt [Client focused-participation-respect] edited by Karen Sanders & Michael Bock. Highlights new directions in youth work including Positive Peer Culture and RAP models.
Classroom Management: Engaging Students in Learning by Tim McDonald. Develops a “Positive Learning Framework” based on Circle of Courage principles with strategies for developing environments where students can flourish.
TherapyWise: Creating Courage from Within by Robert Foltz (in press). The essential guide for teens in therapy (and their parents) for getting most out of treatment with psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors.
External Websites
Circle of Courage Institute http://www.circleofcourageinstitute.org
International Child and Youth Care Network, led by Brian Gannon, Thom Garfat, and Leon Fulcher http://www.cyc-net.org
Reclaiming Children and Youth Journal http://www.reclaimingjournal.com
Reclaiming Youth International http://www.reclaiming.com
Psychoeducational Network, edited by Dr. Charles Chrystal http://www.psychoED.net
Starr Commonwealth http://www.starr.org