Curricula

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.

This journey I speak of has been decades in the making, with so many twists and turns. It’s funny because before my father passed, he would say: Tysha is going to be my personal psychologist. She’s going to fix me.

This April, during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we invite you to read a powerful personal story from Shayla Benson, One Circle Foundation’s Director of Curricula. As a survivor and sexuality educator, Shayla shares what she witnessed in school hallways, how consent culture is often missing in youth spaces, and what led her to create Voice & Choice: Embracing Boundaries and Consent.

Grief is a universal human experience, but it is also deeply personal. The fires in Southern California remind us of the profound impact loss can have on individuals, families, and communities. During such times, it is essential to create spaces where grief can be expressed, understood, and ...

As part of this commitment, leaders from the MBK Yonkers chapter participated in The Council for Boys and Young Men Facilitator Training, a program focused on equipping educators with strength-based methods to manage group dynamics, address behavioral challenges, and promote safe, healthy behaviors. Attendees included educators, counselors, and school staff from Yonkers’ schools. The training emphasized prevention and intervention strategies that minimize classroom disruptions, maximize group cohesion, and nurture students’ personal growth...

Running a Circle group is an excellent example of how a facilitator can be an “askable adult” and foster adult-youth communication. As I think about the importance of Let's Talk Month, I remember participating in The Council for Boys and Young Men Facilitator Training and providing additional training for the facilitators.

Through a collaborative process involving our board, staff, facilitators, and valued partners, One Circle Foundation has reimagined and refreshed our Vision and Mission statements to better align with the needs of this moment. This process allowed us to reflect on our purpose and direction as we continue to empower youth and strengthen communities.   We’re excited to share this renewed vision as we move forward with clarity and purpose.  OCF VISION: Youth thrive worldwide through compassionate connections and healthy relationships within their communities.   OCF MISSION: Prepare caring adults with excellent accredited training, user-friendly activity guides, and innovative approaches to facilitate research-based Circles for transformational youth development. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24. Youth mental health is important and often underestimated. Adolescence is a pivotal time where biological, psychological, and social changes occur, often simultaneously. It is important for us to recognize that youth need our help and support. We must be the approachable and askable adults they can turn to when they need a listening ear.

As we soak up the last days of summer, let's continue to ignite the spark of transformation in every Circle. Your dedication inspires growth, connection, and positivechange – keep shining brightly.

This month, we traveled to Kansas City, MO, to exhibit at the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Conference. The theme was "Fired Up," and let me tell you… the participants, indeed, were. Over 3,000 school counselors, administrators, private practice clinicians, community organizations, and teachers gathered to find resources to help them support the youth in their communities. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, and the experience motivated us more than ever to make a positive impact.