Psychology Today explored Beyond Us & Them’s methodology in an article that took a look at the organization’s use of the practice of council and focused on utilizing an empty chair in the council circle, to bring awareness to all those we carry with us who are not there in person. The empty chair is a feature of our work that has become standard practice in our prison programs and elsewhere.

The practice of council brings people together in a circle to bear witness and share authentically. Participants speak one at a time, sharing personal stories and listening non-judgmentally while others speak. Council remains a foundational practice in the organization’s programming, which is tailored to meet the needs of each unique community and population, from prisons to schools, tech businesses to law enforcement agencies.

Beyond Us & Them founder and Executive Director Jared Seide spoke to reporter Stephanie Sarazin about the use of council practice to build bridges and create “structures of belonging.” You can read the article below:

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