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As a new school year begins, facilitators are preparing to welcome young people back into spaces where they can connect, build relationships, and grow. A little preparation before Circles begin can make a big difference in helping facilitators feel confident, supported, and ready for the year ahead. Here are a few ways organizations can set their facilitation teams up for success this fall.

Change rarely happens all at once. Whether a young person is learning to manage emotions, build healthier relationships, or make different choices, growth is a process. The Stages of Change Model (or Transtheoretical Model) reminds us that lasting change develops over time and that every stage deserves patience, support, and understanding. 

If you work with teenagers, you've probably seen firsthand the anxiety, the comparisons, and the phone that never turns off without a prompt or rule being set. Social media is reshaping how young people see themselves, each other, and the world.   Here’s the deal: as much as we may have good intentions, lectures about screen time don't work! What does work is giving teens a structured space to reflect on their own relationship with technology — first, what they love about it, and then what might not be so great — and letting them make their own choices about it.  That's exactly what this free session does. 

A recent TIME article laid out the harsh reality many of us already feel in our work: one in four young men in America reports feeling deeply lonely on any given day. Two-thirds of them believe no one cares whether they're okay. Boys are less likely than girls to be diagnosed with depression, but more likely to die by suicide. 

Youth mental health challenges continue to impact young people at staggering rates. Increasing numbers of youth report experiencing anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, and other mental health struggles. In fact, nearly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a significant increase compared to a decade ago (Jenco, M. 2024, August 6). Recent data also shows that about two in five teens experience symptoms of depression each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2026, January 28).  

The lived experiences of fellow Circle facilitators remind us that we’re not alone in this work. Today, we’re spotlighting Kevin Anthony Green, Chief Visionary & CEO of Seeds of a Father. His reflections illuminate the power of presence, connection, and the life-changing impact of Circles. 

As we wrap up the year, many people working in youth-serving spaces are doing what they always do: giving energy, care, and presence to the youth who count on them. It’s meaningful work, but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. Before stepping into a new year full of goals, Circles, and fresh possibilities, it’s important for facilitators to pause and refill our own cups. 

At the Fairfield PAL Teen Center, youth mentor Fatima Adeboye is using creativity, compassion, and the Girls Circle model to inspire transformation. By blending fun, themed activities, like her “Defying the Drama: A Wicked-Themed Girls Circle” with meaningful dialogue, Fatima creates a safe and engaging space where girls feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Her work at the PAL Teen Center highlights how creativity in Circle can spark connection, confidence, and lasting change for youth in the Fairfield, Suisun, and Travis communities.

Facilitating a Circle in just 45 minutes can feel like a challenge—but it’s absolutely possible with a few thoughtful adjustments. In this blog, we share strategies to help you stay true to One Circle Foundation’s model while keeping every essential step intact. From concise check-ins to choosing just one activity per session, these tips will help you create a meaningful, connected experience without feeling rushed.

One Circle Foundation is bringing the Girls Circle Facilitator Training to the SF Bay Area on September 11-12, 2025 at Uptown Station Oakland. Join us for a training in California to elevate your Circle facilitation skills and connect with others who strive to make a positive impact in the lives of youth and teens. Read more