Great, engaging curriculum that allows students to talk about their feelings and interests. This program was used for ESL students...Great, engaging curriculum that allows students to talk about their feelings and interests. This program was used for ESL students, which allowed for unique leadership opportunities, and newfound connections and friendships. The program gave students a chance to engage in peer-led activity that led to authentic conversations. This was great!!

James Mojica, Teacher
St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School - Oakville, ON

This program was an exceptional experience for our students. The students really had a chance to engage in conversation, with dire...This program was an exceptional experience for our students. The students really had a chance to engage in conversation, with direct instruction on how to listen to each other, how to empathize, and how to reflect on themselves. The skills that they were learning were those that are often difficult to teach, and yet so important.

Danielle Chopik, Resource Teacher
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School - Toronto, ON

The circles program impacted the way I think and see the world.

Student
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School - Toronto, ON

The circles program changed most of the people in my group in good ways.

Student
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School - Toronto, ON

Circles is a fun and exciting way of sharing, and throughout the time participating in it, I found it to be a good way to relate.

Student
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School - Toronto, ON

The reflection that I saw in the students about who they are and how they live their lives was amazing. The program really gave th...The reflection that I saw in the students about who they are and how they live their lives was amazing. The program really gave them things to think about outside of themselves and how they can make a positive impact on other people. This program was a wonderful way for students to practice face-to-face interaction, the skills of listening with intention, and giving space for feeling and sharing their emotions.

Educator
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School - Toronto, ON

It was really fun, and with the videos, it felt easier to share my feelings.

Student
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School - Toronto, ON

LiveDifferent is an easy-to-follow program with great talking points and a positive message for students. I really like the messag...LiveDifferent is an easy-to-follow program with great talking points and a positive message for students. I really like the messages it gets across, especially the last two sessions.

Katherine Vigliotta, Student Success Teacher
The Woodlands School - Mississauga, ON

This is an engaging, humorous, and relevant program for facilitating positive conversations and big picture thinking with students...This is an engaging, humorous, and relevant program for facilitating positive conversations and big picture thinking with students! The modules were funny and interesting for our students.

Tana Huberdeau, Student Council Advisor
Hamiota Collegiate - Hamiota, MB

The program is great and the support is top-notch. Devina was great! It also depends on your group of students and their level of ...The program is great and the support is top-notch. Devina was great! It also depends on your group of students and their level of participation.

Grade 9 Teacher
Saint Mary's Academy - Edmundston, NB

This is a great way to develop a leadership group and have students connect from different homerooms.

Stephanie Dean, Teacher
Huntley Centennial Public School - Carp, ON

I really loved the connection that I could make with my peers.

Student
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School - Toronto, ON

This program gave students the opportunity to connect on a very different level. They were given skills to help them share and to ...This program gave students the opportunity to connect on a very different level. They were given skills to help them share and to listen to each other. This program is just what we need right now! Getting students engaged with each other, giving them opportunities for leadership, empathy, and engagement!

Educator
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School - Toronto, ON

Circles showed me that everyone and anyone can make a difference, even just by saying 'Hello! How are you?' to someone. I loved be...Circles showed me that everyone and anyone can make a difference, even just by saying 'Hello! How are you?' to someone. I loved being a part of Circles!

Student
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School - Toronto, ON

I wanted to evolve my leadership skills. Being able to openly discuss with the students was beneficial for all participating. The ...I wanted to evolve my leadership skills. Being able to openly discuss with the students was beneficial for all participating. The program encourages me to open myself up more to my peers.

Youth Circles Leader
Saint Dominic Catholic High School - Rocky Mountain House, AB

I wanted to build my confidence and social skills when being put in a leading role. I enjoyed getting to hear other people's stori...I wanted to build my confidence and social skills when being put in a leading role. I enjoyed getting to hear other people's stories from their own lives and relate to those around me. My participation in the Circles program has made me a more intuitive person when it comes to the feelings and emotions of those around me. I feel a lot more inclined to sit down and really listen to what others have to say.

Youth Circles Leader
Saint Dominic Catholic High School - Rocky Mountain House, AB

I wanted to participate in the event for the family that passed away due to their religion and color. Everything was very fun, but...I wanted to participate in the event for the family that passed away due to their religion and color. Everything was very fun, but I especially liked the compassion project and the icebreaker games. It encourages me to help and better understand others.

Youth Participant
John Dearness Public School - London, ON

I wanted to be a leader and enjoyed the discussions. I liked how respectful everyone was to each other in breakout rooms. The prog...I wanted to be a leader and enjoyed the discussions. I liked how respectful everyone was to each other in breakout rooms. The program encouraged me to be respectful and a better listener.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I wanted to learn how to be a good leader to lead in some of the clubs I'm in. I also wanted to help out the grade nines and reeva...I wanted to learn how to be a good leader to lead in some of the clubs I'm in. I also wanted to help out the grade nines and reevaluate how I think about certain things. The Circles program gave me a new perspective on social interactions. It helped in making sure I carry out my thoughts and turn them into actions. Sometimes, I find that I focus on fixing myself too much and forget that I need to interact with those around me to help not only them, but myself as well. It encouraged positive thinking, reminded me that everyone has gone through struggles, and helped me find ways to assist those in need.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I chose to participate in the Circles program because I wanted to further develop my leadership skills and become a better leader....I chose to participate in the Circles program because I wanted to further develop my leadership skills and become a better leader. I wanted to build a strong relationship with the incoming grade 9s for next year and get to know them better. My favorite part of the Circles program was that I was able to connect with other grade 11s and have discussions to get to know them better. As part of Circles, I took on a leadership role, leading group discussions and hearing everyone out. Participation in the Circles program encouraged me to 'LiveDifferent' by providing many new experiences and insights into people's feelings in high-stress situations. Overall, the program has given me a lot more knowledge on how to develop as a person and become a better version of myself.

Youth Participant
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I wanted to help others feel included within the school community. My favorite part was being able to talk to a bunch of other peo...I wanted to help others feel included within the school community. My favorite part was being able to talk to a bunch of other people my age in a friendly environment. It has encouraged me to actively seek a better future instead of just wishing for it.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I wanted to help others and make a change in society. It was great to engage with others I haven’t seen since pre-COVID.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I chose to participate in preparing something for Grade 9's and to improve my leadership skills and take part in community action....I chose to participate in preparing something for Grade 9's and to improve my leadership skills and take part in community action. I enjoyed hearing the stories of others in the videos and during the discussion times. It encouraged me to reflect on life and what I can do to help others and myself.

Youth Participant
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

Sharing experiences in the circles made me feel like I belonged, and the feedback from the leaders was very understanding and enco...Sharing experiences in the circles made me feel like I belonged, and the feedback from the leaders was very understanding and encouraging. Talking about our embarrassing stories made me feel less embarrassed, knowing others went through similar things. I learned a lot about helping people, not just friends but also in my neighborhood and community. Hearing people's experiences on how they help the community inspired me to do similar things. The Circles also changed my view on the world and my attitude towards certain situations.

Youth Participant
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I saw it as an opportunity to develop my leadership skills and was eager to play a leadership role in something important and mean...I saw it as an opportunity to develop my leadership skills and was eager to play a leadership role in something important and meaningful for others. I really enjoyed having casual conversations with my peers after many months of being out of touch. The sessions focusing on vulnerability, authenticity, and being genuine towards others and yourself made it easier to empathize with others and understand their fair share of problems. I became more educated on these topics, and I viewed people and classmates less bitterly, knowing they too have issues and obstacles of their own to face. After the values episode, I really had to reflect on what I prioritize and care about in life and where I want to go in the future. It was a big wake-up call.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I saw it as a great opportunity to participate in an event at the school and to help the incoming grade nine students. Having mean...I saw it as a great opportunity to participate in an event at the school and to help the incoming grade nine students. Having meaningful discussions with other students was a highlight.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I chose to participate in the Circles program to make others feel welcomed, to enhance my communication skills, become someone tha...I chose to participate in the Circles program to make others feel welcomed, to enhance my communication skills, become someone that others could look up to, and to become a better person myself. My favourite part was being able to share my personal experiences and opinions with my peers without being judged. I felt welcomed in my Circles community and appreciated that others could open up and feel comfortable talking. Participating in the Circles program has encouraged me to LiveDifferent. I was encouraged by my peers to talk and speak my mind, and I believe that the Circles program has helped me discover more about myself and feel more confident.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I wanted to learn how to become a role model for others and better my understanding of public speaking. Being part of a group that...I wanted to learn how to become a role model for others and better my understanding of public speaking. Being part of a group that was able to talk about deeper subjects helped me be more aware of others' feelings and some hardships they may have gone through.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I wanted to become a more confident leader and learn how to better organize similar activities in groups. Being in small groups wh...I wanted to become a more confident leader and learn how to better organize similar activities in groups. Being in small groups where everyone feels safe to share their thoughts and feelings was a highlight. Throughout my day-to-day life, I endeavor to be a more empathetic person.

Youth Participant
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

I was looking to develop and improve my leadership skills and use this opportunity to make a positive impact in my community! I en...I was looking to develop and improve my leadership skills and use this opportunity to make a positive impact in my community! I enjoyed having discussions in our breakout rooms with a variety of people. It was comforting to see how some students who have never spoken to one another before could express vulnerability. I loved hearing other people’s stories and their own experiences. The activities helped me appreciate the complexities of values like happiness, understanding there are pros and cons to everything. I now feel that I can proceed through life experiencing the ups and downs while knowing I am far from alone. This is very comforting and encourages me to be supportive of everyone I come across.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

My class participated, and I enjoyed the discussions. The program encouraged me to be more empathetic.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I participated to get to know my classmates and for my CV. The experience allowed me to realize that people all have their differe...I participated to get to know my classmates and for my CV. The experience allowed me to realize that people all have their different problems of different calibers, but they are still a struggle they have to face nonetheless. Plus, I got closer with a friend.

Youth Circles Leader
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I participated for my future and enjoyed being a leader. It taught me a lot.

Youth Circles Leader
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

The group discussions were engaging and, as MC, I felt really nervous, but overall it was a great experience and I would do it aga...The group discussions were engaging and, as MC, I felt really nervous, but overall it was a great experience and I would do it again. The role boosted my confidence a little as a leader.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

My class participated. It opened up my eyes to others and their problems, and I enjoyed the circles.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

When I heard about this leadership program and that the goal was to help grade 9's, I didn't hesitate to register. I wanted to mak...When I heard about this leadership program and that the goal was to help grade 9's, I didn't hesitate to register. I wanted to make an impact and help my school community, and even develop to take on more leadership roles and gain more experience. It really connected the grade 11's all together. It was a great way to build leadership skills while having fun, listening to other opinions, and feeling like you can have a deep discussion in a safe environment. When people participated, it really helped to understand their situations from different perspectives. It reminds you that everyone is going through different things that you may have no idea about. That's why it's always good to spread kindness and be a positive influence on others because you may never know how much it may brighten their day.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

All leaders were participating and I was really excited to have the opportunity to help my community. I enjoyed the ice breaker ga...All leaders were participating and I was really excited to have the opportunity to help my community. I enjoyed the ice breaker games and the breakout room conversations allowed me to learn more about my peers. After sharing a particularly sensitive personal struggle, I found that other members of my group had experienced similar events and we were able to talk through and learn from it together. It has encouraged me to continue supporting others and given me a new appreciation for life knowing that I can continually change and become a better person.

Youth Circles Leader
Streetsville Secondary School - Mississauga, ON

Our group participated as part of the SHSM we're taking. My favourite part of the Circles program was being able to share openly w...Our group participated as part of the SHSM we're taking. My favourite part of the Circles program was being able to share openly with the group of people. It encouraged me to LiveDifferent by reminding me of the importance of certain values.

Youth Participant
St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School - Barrie, ON

My class participated! Talking about authenticity and how we all have embarrassing stories but all that matters is to be true to y...My class participated! Talking about authenticity and how we all have embarrassing stories but all that matters is to be true to yourself. I had many realizations that I am not alone and that a lot of people feel the same way and can relate to similar situations. Participating in the Circles program not only encouraged me to live different but to think different as well. I learned that everyone has different values! I also learned about empathy and how important mindset is in order to grow! This was a great workshop and I recommend everyone take it!

Youth Participant
St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School - Barrie, ON

It was a class project where I learned new things about others. I shared a lot about my anxiety and learned to be kinder and more ...It was a class project where I learned new things about others. I shared a lot about my anxiety and learned to be kinder and more appreciative of the things I have.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

It was something we did for our Arts SHSM. I enjoyed the interactive videos and the talks we would have while watching them. It en...It was something we did for our Arts SHSM. I enjoyed the interactive videos and the talks we would have while watching them. It encouraged me to continue to live my life in a genuine way.

Youth Participant
St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School - Barrie, ON

I wanted to help the people in our class feel better and have a better morale by talking about things on my shoulders. It was grea...I wanted to help the people in our class feel better and have a better morale by talking about things on my shoulders. It was great; everyone was respectful. The program encouraged me by helping people and understanding them.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I wanted to learn what people felt in their past and share my past life with others in my class. The Circles program helped me bec...I wanted to learn what people felt in their past and share my past life with others in my class. The Circles program helped me because before, I was nervous about sharing my past life, but now I am not as nervous as I was before.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

Through the Circles Program, I was able to listen to more of my classmates and have them comfortable with opening up about their p...Through the Circles Program, I was able to listen to more of my classmates and have them comfortable with opening up about their problems.

Youth Circles Leader
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I had to participate, but it helped me understand that people have problems too.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I participated to understand myself and others more. Talking to people motivated me.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I thought our class needed a little more values, and I saw another side of my classmates. As a student leader, I learned much abou...I thought our class needed a little more values, and I saw another side of my classmates. As a student leader, I learned much about empathy.

Youth Circles Leader
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

My class participated. My favourite part of the Circles program was discussing the questions presented to us and hearing what othe...My class participated. My favourite part of the Circles program was discussing the questions presented to us and hearing what others had to say. It helped me realize that I can grow and be more warm to others and to myself; overall, it encouraged me to spread more kindness.

Youth Participant
St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School - Barrie, ON

My SHSM course participated, and I learned how to help the people closest to me more. I learned better ways to approach people aro...My SHSM course participated, and I learned how to help the people closest to me more. I learned better ways to approach people around me and try to help in any way I can.

Youth Participant
St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School - Barrie, ON

My class participated, giving me the chance to get closer to my classmates through sharing personal stories with each other. It tr...My class participated, giving me the chance to get closer to my classmates through sharing personal stories with each other. It truly meant a lot to me because my class tends not to communicate with me, and it gave me the chance to have genuine conversations with them.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I participated to help others and enjoyed learning about others. The Circles program encouraged me to see others in a different wa...I participated to help others and enjoyed learning about others. The Circles program encouraged me to see others in a different way.

Youth Circles Leader
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I participated to make people feel loved or important. The program made me think differently.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I wanted to help others and enjoyed learning about others. The Circles program encouraged me to see others in a different way.

Youth Circles Leader
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I was curious and enjoyed having the time to talk to others about things I only talked to my friends about. It gave me weekly chal...I was curious and enjoyed having the time to talk to others about things I only talked to my friends about. It gave me weekly challenges.

Youth Circles Leader
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I wanted to participate, and the compassion project was fun. The Circles program encouraged me by doing it in a fun way.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I wanted to make my teachers happy, and getting to speak to people showed me that speaking helps.

Youth Participant
Riverside Regional High School - Saguenay, QC

I loved how it made the youth engage on real topics. It helps me connect more dots to constructive conversations.

Adult Circles Leader
Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre - Williams Lake, BC

I heard about the Circles program from a co-worker of my mom and thought it was a great opportunity that I wanted to be a part of....I heard about the Circles program from a co-worker of my mom and thought it was a great opportunity that I wanted to be a part of. The program was amazing! I really enjoyed being in an open and safe place where I could learn and be heard. I loved learning and growing, which has helped me understand my authentic self and how to present it to others. It encouraged and showed me the amazing potential I have to impact others. It reaffirmed my knowledge of all topics and helped me become open and honest with myself and others. It has inspired me to keep going on the path I'm on and to dive into my music and faith. Without a doubt, Circles has improved my life and I have learned new skills that I will take with me and use throughout my whole life.

Youth Circles Leader
Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre - Williams Lake, BC

I wanted to learn more about leadership in depth for a successful future with others as well as myself. I really liked the questio...I wanted to learn more about leadership in depth for a successful future with others as well as myself. I really liked the questions part, which was super insightful and interesting to hear about other people's perspectives and opinions. I learned about the core values and how I can apply them to real life scenarios, especially about empathy and forgiveness.

Youth Circles Leader
Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre - Williams Lake, BC

I wanted to move forward with self-care and leave my shell so I can speak more and be myself. Talking without being judged, and ha...I wanted to move forward with self-care and leave my shell so I can speak more and be myself. Talking without being judged, and having my voice heard, has encouraged me to be more compassionate towards others.

Youth Participant
Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre - Williams Lake, BC

I wanted to learn more about the topics, and I enjoyed everything about the program.

Youth Participant
Mississauga YMCA - Mississauga, ON

My youth group participated and I loved the conversations sparked from the discussions. It encouraged me to be more aware of my su...My youth group participated and I loved the conversations sparked from the discussions. It encouraged me to be more aware of my surroundings and people, help more people, and push myself to be better in all the ways of each episode.

Youth Circles Leader
Mississauga YMCA - Mississauga, ON

I was curious about the program and wanted to try it out to see if it would help in some ways, and it did.

Youth Participant
Mississauga YMCA - Mississauga, ON

I wanted to learn more about the program, and the breakout room discussions were enjoyable. By participating, it has motivated me ...I wanted to learn more about the program, and the breakout room discussions were enjoyable. By participating, it has motivated me to step outside of my comfort zone and do things that may seem uncomfortable.

Youth Participant
Mississauga YMCA - Mississauga, ON

I wanted to learn more about myself, and the Circles program encouraged me in being myself. I enjoyed everything!

Youth Circles Leader
Mississauga YMCA - Mississauga, ON

I wanted to help others, and the Circles program made me learn more about how to be kind and have empathy towards others.

Youth Participant
Mississauga YMCA - Mississauga, ON

I chose to participate in the Circles program to strengthen my leadership skills. My favorite part was having discussions with the...I chose to participate in the Circles program to strengthen my leadership skills. My favorite part was having discussions with the other participants. Overall, I enjoyed how interactive Circles was, and it encouraged me to teach other people about the different topics we discussed.

Youth Circles Leader
Mississauga YMCA - Mississauga, ON

My mom wanted me to try this so I said sure, and I am glad I came because I met some nice people. I enjoyed having fun and listeni...My mom wanted me to try this so I said sure, and I am glad I came because I met some nice people. I enjoyed having fun and listening to people's feelings.

Youth Participant
Northwest Inter-nation Family And Community Services Society - Terrace, BC

It seemed like an open place where no one was judged for how they were feeling. I am able to use some of the discussion questions ...It seemed like an open place where no one was judged for how they were feeling. I am able to use some of the discussion questions from the videos to help out my friends and anyone who needs it.

Youth Circles Leader
Northwest Inter-nation Family And Community Services Society - Terrace, BC

The Circles program encouraged me to think about how others are feeling more often. Joining the Zoom and seeing everyone was a hig...The Circles program encouraged me to think about how others are feeling more often. Joining the Zoom and seeing everyone was a highlight.

Youth Participant
Northwest Inter-nation Family And Community Services Society - Terrace, BC

I want to help others see their own beauty. Just being a part of it and seeing people grow gave me a new perspective.

Youth Participant
Northwest Inter-nation Family And Community Services Society - Terrace, BC

I thought it would be cool and it taught me to be myself. I enjoyed sharing roles.

Youth Participant
Northwest Inter-nation Family And Community Services Society - Terrace, BC

I wanted to help others and meet new people. I had so much fun. It really got everyone talking and out of their shell. I’m so ha...I wanted to help others and meet new people. I had so much fun. It really got everyone talking and out of their shell. I’m so happy I did the Circles program. I think it taught me to always speak up for what I believe in, to know that my voice can and should be heard, and to realize that I’m smart enough to speak in a group. It reassured me that I’m not the only one who doesn’t fit the norms of society.

Youth Circles Leader
Investing in Children - London, ON

I volunteered as an adult leader to help with this program because I wanted to help youth connect with one another during this dif...I volunteered as an adult leader to help with this program because I wanted to help youth connect with one another during this difficult time of the pandemic and make a space for them to discuss things that are important and enjoy themselves. I enjoyed listening to all of the students’ perspectives, which made me better understand the need for more spaces for children to talk about their feelings and experiences in a non-judgmental way. Even as a leader, I learned a lot about these subject areas, and it challenged me to reflect and bring these values into action in my daily life. The active listening tactics are definitely a strategy I will use more in my practice working with children and youth. Thank you, Fon, Janet, and Sarah, for setting all of this up and working so hard on your ends! It was fantastic.

Adult Circles Leader
Investing in Children - London, ON