Learnings about the Circle of Courage (Part II Intro) of Reclaiming Youth

The authors, Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steve Van Bockern, introduce Part II by introducing the history and rationale for the Circle of Courage. They start by speaking about how Native Americans have passed down from generation to generation in a verbal tradition some basic values that provide the underpinnings of developing a positive culture for youth. Often, we do not know how to do that. What does a positive peer culture mean among a culture geared toward individualism? They refer back to 15,000 years of civilization of oral tradition from Native Americans. Since the time of conquering the Native Americans through military and technological superiority, many of us believe that the native civilization has nothing to offer us. Yet it does.

To help us see how Native values are "ready made" for positive cultural changes for schools and programs (and, I believe, our general culture), the authors discuss Stanley Coopersmith's work on self-esteem. He felt that the four basic components of self-esteem are:

1. "Significance is found in the acceptance, attention, and affection of others. To lack significance is to be rejected, ignored, and not to belong." The native practice of belongingness within a clulrual milieu nurtures significance.
2. "Competence develops as one masters the environment. Success brings innate satisfaction and a sense of efficacy, while chronic failure stifles motivation." The native focus on mastery ensures the sense of competence.
3. "Power is shown in the ability to control one's behavior and gain the respect of others. Those lacking power feel helpless and without influence." Expressing independence can result in a sense of power.
4. "Virtue is worthiness judged by the values of one's culture and significant others. Without feelings of worthiness, life is not spiritually fulfilling." Generosity is a value that reflects virtue. In other words, to feel worthy, to have a sense of a spirtually fulfilling life, one can be generous.

The authors point out how the number four has a sacred meaning to Native people because it sees a person standing in a circle surrounded by the four directions.