id: passing-circle
title: Passing Circle
description: >-
  A round in which each person has the explicit option to "pass" — to say
  nothing — without explanation or penalty. Used in check-ins and
  sensitive discussions to preserve voluntary participation. Common in
  peer support, restorative, and feminist consciousness-raising circles.
source: Common circle practice / feminist consciousness-raising tradition
source_url: https://www.cwluherstory.org/
tags: [circle, passing, consent, check-in]
forked_from: null
image: null
steps:
  - headline: Name the option to pass
    description: >-
      The facilitator explicitly names at the start that anyone may pass
      when their turn comes, and that passing is not a statement.
  - headline: Go around
    description: >-
      Each person in turn speaks or says "pass." The facilitator does not
      ask why, nor treat passing differently from speaking.
  - headline: Offer a second round
    description: >-
      After the first round, the facilitator offers a second, so anyone who
      passed may speak if they now wish. No obligation.
  - headline: Close
    description: >-
      The round closes when all who wish to speak have spoken. Passing is
      not tracked or revisited unless the person offers.
outcome: >-
  Each person participates at the level they choose, with voluntary speech
  preserved even in sensitive contexts.
practice: >-
  The option to pass must be real, not theoretical. If passing attracts
  attention or concern, people will speak to avoid notice, and the form is
  lost.