A Restorative Justice Circle is a structured community gathering to talk about and potentially resolve an issue.
If you are between the ages of 11-17 you are welcome to participate in our youth leadership program and learn to tend circles through storytelling. We are offering you two training sessions in September to learn how to lead community circles. This series is experiential. Come and try it out and see if it’s your vibe. There will be written materials and also videos to watch at home + in-person practice. So all learning styles are welcome. These training sessions will take place in a meeting room at the library. This training is free, you just need parent/guardian approval (waiver signed) before taking part.
Training takes place at the Port Angeles Main Library on:
Part One ~Saturday September 19th (Noon-2:30pm)
Part Two ~Saturday September 26th (Noon-3:00pm)
The purpose of this project is to give you a safe, supportive opportunity to learn how to host community listening circles, practice healthy ways of sharing power, and engage thoughtfully with local issues that affect our community.
The training will culminate in new circle keepers hosting their first community listening circle focused on AI data centers. You will use Washington AI Resistance public toolbox to build the first community circle. This first circle will be more of a listening or affinity circle, intentionally kept small so you can feel safe, supported, and competent. The goal is not to pressure you to perform, advocate, or take a public position, but to help you practice facilitation, listening, and community problem-solving skills.
You will host your first community circle on Saturday October 3rd, 2026 between 1:30-5:00pm. (The circle will only be 90 min.) also held at the Port Angeles Main Library.
To clarify expectations:
- Participation will be voluntary.
- Parent/guardian permission will be required for all youth participants.
- Parents/guardians will sign waivers before participation.
- Teens will not be pressured to attend, speak, perform, advocate, or represent any political groups.
- The events will be held in a library meeting room and will follow applicable library rules and expectations.
- The project is a youth training and community listening opportunity, not requiring youth to engage in lobbying or political advocacy.
We believe this is a meaningful opportunity for youth to build confidence, practice facilitation, and participate in community dialogue in a safe and supported way.
Presented by Olympic Climate Action.
Meet your circle trainers:
Gabriel Barzola Read
I am a student at Port Angeles high school. I identify as genderqueer. I Iove Clairo, choir and being a part of something.
Liliana Barzola
I am an entrepreneur, mestiza and mother of two. I was taught to lead restorative justice circles by The Restorative Center in Newburgh, NY. The best trainers there were the teens, I learned so much from them and I saw how powerful it was to have them lead inter-generational circles. What makes me a good teacher? During my youth, I went to a lot of different schools. I had to make new friends all the time. I am dyslexic so I understand that we all have different learning styles. I personally learn by doing.
