Collaboration circles
A relational approach to environmental partnership and co-design
Meaningful collaboration begins with relationships.
Collaboration circles provide a structured and respectful process for organisations, communities and partners to build trust, understand different perspectives and establish how they will work together before moving into action.
Especially supportive in cross-cultural partnerships, difficult conversations and co-creative environmental initiatives, these circles foster deep listening, shared responsibility and relational ways of working.
The result is not only stronger outcomes, but stronger relationships — creating foundations for long-term stewardship, collaboration and care for Boodja (land).
Creating safe spaces...
Circle process is an intentional dialogue that creates a safe space to discuss difficult issues, improve relationships, and overcome differences. Grounded in the restorative principles of do no harm, listening with care and taking responsibility for relationships, it creates the conditions needed for respectful and inclusive participation.
When working with First Nations communities, the process is adapted in partnership with participants to honour the cultural practices and relational ways of different local communities. It also respects place-based cultural authority and leadership by developing community-defined protocols as part of the process.
Principles for effective collaboration...
Lessons from restorative and relational practice
The world is profoundly interconnected...
Modern science and many wisdom traditions tell us the world is profoundly interconnected. Human beings are related to all living creatures and the natural world. Because we are connected, what we do to others and the planet, we do to ourselves. However we may not always realize this is happening.
The true self in every person is good, wise and powerful...
Everyone has a true self. This core self is good, wise and powerful. Our core self may not always be visible, but beneath the pain and suffering, this core self is really seeking love and acceptance. Helping people reconnect with their core self helps realign their behaviours in the world.
Human beings have a deep desire to be in good relationship...
All people want to love and to be loved. At our core, we all desire to be in good relationship with others and the natural world. In our culture, we tend to focus on the bad side of human behaviour. There is a need to remember human goodness and co-create a new eco-centric culture.
All humans have gifts and everyone is needed for what they bring...
Every person is born with unique gifts that set them apart.
By cultivating these gifts, each person can realise their individual purpose in life, and use these gifts to serve the whole. All talents, personalities and perspectives are needed to find creative solutions to our needs. ​
Human beings are holistic...
Humans are mental, emotional, physical and spiritual beings. These parts are all equally important, and each part provides different ways of knowing, wisdom and healing.
It's important to draw on all parts of ourselves through creativity, movement and storytelling to address the challenges that arise in context of our interconnectedness. ​​
Everything we need to make positive change is already here...
​Our most valuable asset is human creativity and commitment. We embrace a strength-based approach, viewing ourselves as creators who can help transform the world.
Additionally, we recognize our communities as abundant sources of talent and wisdom, that when empowered can collectively shape the world.
We need practices to live from the core self...
Engaging in practices that connect us with our true selves allows us to live in harmony with our values. These practices foster healthy relationships with ourselves, one another, and the planet.
Connecting with the core self helps dissolves feelings of disconnection and encourages us to embrace life so we can be of service to the whole.
The Earth is a living system of energy and information...
The Earth is a living, interconnected system of energy and information.
Everything is in relationship with everything else, and humans are an integral part of nature. Our experience changes when we slow down and come into harmony with the natural world.​​​
Circle Keeper Training
Facilitating restorative and relational dialogue
Fulker & Associates offers a three-day immersive training in peacemaking and restorative circle practice for people who want to develop stronger skills in dialogue, facilitation and relationship-based ways of working.
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The training draws on the restorative justice and peacemaking circle tradition shared with Kay Pranis by Tagish-Tlingit Elder Mark Wedge and other indigenous practitioners in Canada and the United States. Kelly trained with Kay in Nashville, Tennessee in 2015 and subsequently brought this approach into her facilitation practice in Australia.
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The training provides participants with practical experience in creating structured processes for deep listening, intentional dialogue, relationship building and working through difference. Participants explore the role of circle keeper and the essential elements that support effective circles.
Facilitated by Kelly Fulker, this training is relevant to practitioners, community leaders, and change-makers who want to deepen their practice and develop new skills in relational facilitation for collaboration, cultural change, community building, and transformation.
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This training honours the Indigenous origins and traditions through which it was shared, and careful consideration is given to the types of activities included in the training. It does not teach First Nations cultural practices, and where circle processes are used in cross-cultural settings, local cultural protocols and the cultural authority of Traditional Owners guide how the process is designed and facilitated.
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Indigenous foundations
and wisdom
Role of the circle practitioner
Circles as a tool for self-organisation
The four stages of circle process
The importance of balance in circles
Circles as complex, adaptive human systems
Flow of circle
The seven elements of
circle process
Experience preparing for a non-conflict circle
Get in Touch
Environmental and social change work is rarely done alone.
If you are looking for support navigating complexity, strengthening relationships, or exploring new approaches to environmental stewardship, we would be happy to connect.