Circle Practice
MISSION
The Circle Practice works to bridge the gaps of inequality created by the stigmatization of mental health in communities of color by cultivating cultural understanding, strengthening teamwork skills, and fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging.
The Circle Practice fosters a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment for people pursuing personal growth in their mental health practice, self awareness, and effective communication skills.
VISION
We envision our form of circle work as fundamental in all collaborative group spaces. We will work to revolutionize mental health awareness within professional sports teams, the corporate world, film and television productions and within all communities in need. We will forever be allies to communities of color as a decolonizing practice against the fight of the mental health stigma.
Our mission work will continue to be housed in communities of need, but we are hoping to expand beyond traditional forms of circle work. Ricky is a bi-lingual trailblazing facilitator bringing circle work into the next generation of mental health practices.
Government Contracts: Restorative Justice work is at the core of The Circle Practice work. We plan to continue our work in the juvenile justice and prison systems, as a form of rehabilitation.
Sport Teams: While Ricky was a soccer coach, he witnessed the need for mental health awareness on the field. He included circle work during training along with traditional soccer drills. We hope to work with youth, amature, and professional teams to support with communication, cooperation and resilience.
Film/Television: Working in the film and television industry for over 10 years, Q has yielded a deep understanding of the toxicity that exists in relationships from the crew level to the writers room and the producers office. All levels of production within the film/television industry can benefit from The Circle Practice. The goal would be to start working with individual projects as needed and then grow to work with different production companies, streamers and houses to improve overall communication, relationships and productivity.
Corporate: Corporate America has seen a complete shift in its need and awareness for mental health practices. We would like to build a model where we employ circle work to improve productivity, communication and overall happiness for employees and employers.
Meet the Team
The Circle Practice is a project fiscally sponsored by Unlock Creative Foundation Inc. The project is led by Ricardo Miranda who works with other facilitators and artists to produce the work. Ashley Walden and the Unlock Creative team works closely with Circle Practice to support the management, fundraising and administration of the team.
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Ricardo is the Founder and lead facilitator of Circle Practice. born & raised in Los Angeles, California to imigrante parents from Mexico and El Salvador. While in high school I developed a love for a photography and video. I attended Pasadena City College where I founded a Black and Brown unity slate that was unanimously elected into office. I served the student body as Vice President for Cultural Diversity. With a sustancial budget I was able to bring cultural speakers, workshops, and entertainment, from around the world to campus. I transferred to the CalArts school of photo and digital media in 2004, and received a BFA in 2008. I've been shooting fine art, editorial, street, and product photography internationally for 20 years. After CalArts I took on the site director position at a non-profit teen drop in center in Fillmore, Ca. I was able to make our site function as an Evening Reporting Center for teens on probation in Ventura county. This kept many teens from being incarcerated since previously they had to travel across Ventura county for services. I’m currently Teaching Street Photography at Oakwood School (Middle School) in North Hollywood. My certifications include the following:
Restorative Justice Counselor Certified in Dec 2017
Mental Health First Aid Certified in Nov 2017
Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor Certified in Nov 2019
Council Trainer Certified in Dec 2019
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Ashley Walden, led management consultant. Unlock Creative Foundation Inc. is a non-profit incorporated in Georgia with the IRS 501(c)(3) designation and powers our philanthropic work including a robust slate of programs and services subsidized and donated to Black Creatives and people of color-owned businesses.
Join Us for the Bi-Weekly Circle Practice
Circle Practice with Ricardo “Ricky” Miranda Monthly Circle 2nd & 4th Thursdays
You are invited to join our twice monthly Circle Practice sessions held on 2nd & 4th Thursdays. These gatherings are designed to create a safe and supportive space for open dialogue, active listening, and meaningful connections. Circle Practice is an opportunity for individuals to come together, share their thoughts and experiences, and engage in deep and authentic conversations.
Our circle work, The Circle Practice, is most similar to the circle work practiced by the Iroquois confederacy. We sit in circles as equals and create safe space for honest from the heart sharing.
Practice of open, heartfelt expression and empathic listening.
Intentionally speaking authentically
Mindful and attentive listening
All participants sit in a circle - on the same level - no seat is higher than the other.
We are lean with our sharing.
We listen and speak from the heart.
We seek a collective truth and viewpoint, perhaps fuller than any one individuals truth.
During these sessions, we will follow a structured format that encourages everyone to participate and contribute equally. The Circle Practice guidelines promote respect, empathy, and confidentiality, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives.
Whether you're interested in exploring personal growth, discussing thought-provoking topics, or simply connecting with like-minded individuals, Circle Practice offers a space for meaningful conversations and valuable connections.
For our first session in our new space, RSVP is encouraged by not required. You may contact Ricardo via email ricardosalvadormiranda@gmail.com at for rsvps and questions.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Circle Practice sessions and fostering a sense of community and understanding together.