The Circle of Courage: Developing Resilience and Capacity in Youth

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This article highlights the value of creating an educational climate that fosters resilience, motivation, and capacity building among learners who have been marginalized. Drawing on First Nations’ teachings that encourage a holistic and affirming perspective of culturally diverse learners, the Circle of Courage model details the way the four foundations of self-esteem (significance, competence, power, and virtue) can be applied in different contexts. Connecting with troubled youth in positive ways to help them build emotional and social efficacy in addition to strategies that would improve teacher-student relationships are presented.

With the explosion of knowledge in the 21st century, one must be cautious that what is most important in life is not obscured. Supporting our youth as they grow into adulthood should be uppermost in our minds. The Circle of Courage, is a model of youth empowerment that identifies the four vital signs for positively guiding youth through belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. These growth needs are essential for well-being, being innate and a natural part of human development. In the simplest of terms, in order to thrive, young people must have opportunities to experience each of these aspects of the circle. It is within the community that these beliefs are enshrined and where the benefits of such a model will enrich the lives of all members.

Research for our book Reclaiming Children and Youth, was drawn from both modern scientific thinking and the wisdom of indigenous cultures (Brendtro, Brokenleg, & Van Bockern 1990). Prior to colonization, Native Americans were able to raise respectful, responsible children without resorting to any form of harsh punishment. Through our research, we soon recognized that the principles of the Circle of Courage transcended cultural boundaries and further investigation revealed a congruence with Stanley Coopersmith’s (1967) four foundations of self-esteem—significance, competence, power, and virtue. Each of Coopersmith’s markers for self-esteem can be paired with the values of the Circle of Courage. First, significance is assured by belonging, where children are accepted by caring adults and surrounded by positive peer interactions. In this environment, all members of a community are valued. Competence is gained by opportunities to achieve mastery in personal growth. However, the desire to achieve is never to better others, but to grow in knowledge and better one’s self. Those with talents become models and mentors to support the learning of others. Power is implicated in becoming independent. Children are given opportunities to learn self-control, participate in decisionmaking, and develop power to resist negative peer influence. Virtue is reflected in generosity. Children are encouraged to help others and befriend those in need, which in turn fosters empathy, prosocial values, and proof of one’s worth.