Common Circles: Addressing Violence Through Art was a Common Weal Community Arts project, which invited multicultural organizations, community members and various artists to explore issues related to violence against women and families. The project artistically explored the ideas behind the four virtues of the Circle of Courage and basic needs of Perceptual Control Theory, which include: independence/freedom, generosity, love and belonging and mastery/self power. Through the workshops, the outcomes and learning experiences were brought together to create this creative workbook for schools, organizations, victims, and others to visually empower, educate and bring awareness to the prevalent issue of women and violence.

This workbook will work as a resource manual, so others can facilitate and adapt the workshops to work within their own institutions and organizations. This workbook will explain the ideas behind the project, the workshops, additional ideas to be used, and reference information for community members. This will allow the work of the project to continue, and in return will continue to send a message of strength coming together on anti-violence initiatives.