The TCCP Systems
The Structures That Sustain Us
Our community is sustained by a set of “living systems”—agreements and structures designed to help us share power, distribute resources, and stay connected. These systems work together to support learning, accountability, care, and sustainability throughout both the Application and Candidacy phases. Rather than being policies applied only when something goes wrong, they are living structures that shape everyday community life.
The 360° Living Feedback System
Feedback in TCCP is understood as a practice of relationship rather than evaluation. We use 360-degree living feedback to support learning, accountability, and mutual understanding.
Purpose: To normalize feedback as a gift of connection and a vehicle for growth, rather than a test to be passed.
How it Works: We use a “Living Feedback” process where members invite perspectives from the community on how they are embodying NVC principles.
- Self-Assessment: The process begins with the member reflecting on their own journey, challenges, and alignment with community values.
- Community Input: Peers offer specific observations and celebrations, focusing on connection and their own honest experience rather than evaluation.
- Integration: The goal is omni-directional learning, where both the giver and receiver grow in shared understanding.
Candidates are encouraged to actively seek feedback from peers, mentors, workshop participants, and community members as part of their ongoing integration.
The Restorative System
Conflict and harm are understood as inevitable in communities committed to growth and justice. The Restorative System offers multiple pathways for addressing rupture and returning to connection.
Purpose: To create a framework that supports accountability, repair, continuity, co-creation, and choice.
How it Works: We view conflict as an opportunity for connection rather than something to avoid. When tension arises, we utilize a “Restorative Practices Menu”—a range of options that allows members to choose the level of support they need.
The Menu: Options range from low-intervention practices like Self-Empathy and Empathic Presence (inviting another member to listen) to structured support like Facilitated Dialogue or a full Restorative Circle involving the wider community. This ensures that conflict resolution is voluntary and adapted to the specific needs of those involved.
Participation is invitational and grounded in consent, with care for safety, choice, and the needs of all involved.
Generosity System
TCCP practices a needs-based approach to resources, recognizing that financial access and sustainability are essential to equity.
Purpose: To create a collaborative gift economy that supports sustainability for all members sharing NVC.
How it Works: We operate outside of transactional “fee-for-service” models. Instead, we pool our resources to support one another’s work and well-being.
- Contributing: Financial contributions are held by our umbrella organization, One Big Circle, and can be designated for the General Fund or specifically for the BIPOC Fund to support equity and access.
- Receiving: Any member can request funds to support their NVC projects or personal sustainability by submitting a request to the Economic Stewardship Council (ESC). We discuss these requests openly to ensure resources flow where they are needed most.
This system supports transparency, shared responsibility, and alignment with community values.
The Empathy Access System
Purpose: To ensure every member has access to regular empathic support, especially during challenging times.
How it Works: We believe a strong empathy practice is essential for sustaining NVC consciousness.
- Support Structures: We utilize Empathy Buddies and Empathy Pods to create consistent containers for listening.
- Emergency Support: We maintain an “Empathy Availability List” for members who are open to urgent requests or “Empathy 911” calls when immediate connection is needed.
- Skill Building: We host regular Zoom calls and coaching sessions to deepen our capacity to be present for one another.
The Peer Mentor System
Purpose: To ensure every member has access to regular empathic support, especially during challenging times.
How it Works: We believe a strong empathy practice is essential for sustaining NVC consciousness.
- Support Structures: We utilize Empathy Buddies and Empathy Pods to create consistent containers for listening.
- Emergency Support: We maintain an “Empathy Availability List” for members who are open to urgent requests or “Empathy 911” calls when immediate connection is needed.
- Skill Building: We host regular Zoom calls and coaching sessions to deepen our capacity to be present for one another.
The Peer Mentor System
Purpose: To make power-with mentorship accessible and transparent, helping new members navigate the community with confidence.
How it Works: New candidates are paired with experienced peer mentors who act as guides and accountability partners. These partnerships are co-created: mentors and mentees define their own goals, meeting frequency (often monthly), and requests for support. It is a relationship of mutual learning, not top-down instruction.
“It felt like such a different experience of giving and receiving feedback. It didn’t feel canned or like a compliment sandwich. It felt gentle — like we were on the same side. The feedback was really in service of making the workshop better, without any criticism or blaming energy.”
K.Y., New York, NY – TCCP Certification Candidate