Adapting One Circle Foundation Curricula for All Populations: A Guide for Facilitators

In a world that is diverse and constantly changing, it is important for facilitators to be flexible when adapting One Circle Foundation's curricula to meet the needs of a wide range of participants. Although it's always necessary to follow the 6 or 7 steps to maintain the fidelity of the model, it is possible to make certain adjustments to the content to meet the needs of the youth you’re working with. 

Recognizing and embracing the diversity within a population is crucial for creating an inclusive and safe environment.  As a facilitator, you can use the following strategies and approaches to adapt One Circle activity guides to honor the unique characteristics, backgrounds, and learning styles of your Circle participants. 

Understanding Your Population 

The first step in adapting One Circle curricula is understanding the population you are working with. Consider cultural background, socioeconomic status, language proficiency, and individual learning needs. Conduct surveys, communicate openly with participants, and collaborate with colleagues to gather insights that will inform your curriculum adjustments. 

Pop Culture References  

Activity guides often refer to current trends, popular musicians, and famous TV and movie stars. As our world is rapidly changing, what is in today may not be tomorrow. Therefore, to capture the attention of your participants, it's important to make sure that you are referencing individuals who are relevant to your Circle participants and their generation.

Representation in the Content 

Representation matters. Youth and teens are more likely to engage with materials that reflect their own experiences. So, it's important to include content that resonates with various cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds to create a sense of belonging and relevance.

Find time to celebrate cultural events and invite participants to lead an activity on those days. Play music that they resonate with. Nowadays, there are clean versions of most songs available. There is also an amazing activity in the Girls Circle Activity Guide called "Who I Am," where each participant brings in a song that represents them. This is a great example of how you can make your Circle more inclusive.

Flexible Teaching Methods 

If you have participated in a One Circle Foundation Facilitator Training, you likely know that we emphasize the importance of running two types of activities in every Circle. OCF activity guides implement a mix of instructional approaches, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and interactive discussions. This enables participants with diverse learning styles to thrive and engage with the material in ways that suit their preferences.

It can be challenging to ensure Neurodivergent youth are supported in your Circle setting, but it's crucial to intentionally consider their needs. We suggest adding a section to your Circle registration form asking about participants' access needs. This thoughtful approach not only benefits the Neurodiverse youth, but caregivers will appreciate the extra effort you're taking to create an inclusive environment.

• Areas to consider when making your Circle accessible for Neurodivergent Youth:
  • Sensory Stimulation: Does the space have any sounds or smells that may bother youth? Do you have the ability to regulate the temperature in the environment?
  • Cognitive Ability: OCF models are rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). You may need to make accommodations in these areas for some youth to be able to participate fully. Utilize nonverbal ways to communicate if needed.
  • Additional Support Needs: Do they require a support person to be present? 
  • Learning styles: Utilize Strengths-Based skills to identify the youth's strengths, enabling you to present the material in a way that makes it more accessible for them. 
  • Prep Time: Youth who live with anxiety about participating in Circle may need time to prepare. If possible, let the youth know ahead of time what the theme is for the following group. If you are planning to ask for volunteers for an activity that requires reading aloud or presenting, try to secure your volunteers the week before. This allows the youth time to prepare so they can feel confident while participating.

Culturally Responsive Teaching 

OCF recognizes the importance of being culturally responsive, respecting, and integrating diverse cultural backgrounds into the Circle experience. Incorporating practices that validate participants’ identities helps create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued. Participants should be given an opportunity to share parts of their culture in Circle.

Continuous Assessment and Feedback 

Consider using a variety of assessment methods that cater to different learning styles. Pre and post surveys will give you insights into themes your participants want to explore, their growth, and provide constructive feedback. OCF has Evaluation Tool Kits available for Girls Circle and The Council for Boys and Young Men that contain all the materials you need to measure outcomes with your Circle program in conjunction with any combination of the One Circle Activity Guides. Encourage students to reflect on their learning and self-assess to promote a sense of autonomy and ownership over their progress.

Professional Development for Educators 

Seek out professional development opportunities focused on cultural competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion. One Circle Foundation’s Mitigating Gender and Racial Bias: Intersectionality and Allyship Training explores the impacts of gender and racial bias on youth, families, organizations, and communities. It will consider the dominant narratives that further disparities in safety, education, physical and mental health, and opportunity for those who live at the intersections of discriminated identities such as gender, race, age, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and gender identity.  

Adapting curricula to diverse populations is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. By understanding the unique needs of your students, incorporating inclusive content, and implementing flexible teaching methods, facilitators can create a positive and enriching experience for all. Embracing diversity in Circle helps establish safety and prepares youth for a globalized world where understanding and appreciating differences are essential skills.