Jewish, Christian, and Muslim children grow up in a world where people with different truths often struggle to interact. But time after time, we have witnessed previously estranged Abrahamic faith communities come together to reclaim childhood.
At reGeneration, we heal locally to mend wounds globally.
In our interfaith movement, we model what can be done if Jews, Christians, and Muslims work together.
Our approach to interfaith bridge building emphasizes restorative communication amongst children, parents, and teachers.
The Way of Council
The Way of Council is a group communication process that teaches children how to listen deeply to the other. Centered in storytelling, Council teaches children to listen respectfully to another person in order to honor their intrinsic worth.
The basic practice of Council is simple: a group of children sits in a circle. Drawing on indigenous traditions of using a talking piece, a passed object grants the holder permission to speak from their heart as others listen. Children learn to find common ground and make decisions based on shared interests.
Thousands of children in Los Angeles Unified School District attend schools that use Council as an integral strategy for violence prevention. In Israel and Palestine, reGeneration Middle Eastern Liaison Itaf Awad has brought Council to countless Jewish, Christian, and Muslim children.
The Way of Council, a listening circle, is a good ancient tool. By participating in circles people can release their fears, prejudices and stereotypical expectations. Sitting in a circle with heart communication creates connection and acceptance. When their perception shifts in this way, love, and respect come through. That’s a powerful tool.”
– Itaf Awad, Way of Council Facilitator and Trainer and reGeneration’s Middle East liaison
NonViolent Communication
NonViolent Communication treats empathy as a teachable skill. Used in all reGeneration programs, it places empathy for oneself and others at the heart of its communication process.
Learning the skills of NonViolent Communication strengthens Christian, Jewish and Muslim children’s ability to inspire compassion from others.
Conflicts are resolved as children learn to hear their own deeper needs and those of others. They also learn to clearly articulate what they want in a given moment.
Through its emphasis on deep listening to themselves as well as to others, NonViolent Communication fosters a mutual desire to give from the heart.
