Community Council

Join us for a community Council alongside others and share in the practice together. 

Council is a listening and storytelling practice that's been part of The Ojai Foundation and Topa Institute since the beginning. People gather in a circle, take turns speaking, and really listen to each other without judgment—creating space for authentic connection that cuts through usual social barriers like status, age, or background. When people feel truly heard, it builds mutual respect and helps them respond to conflict with more compassion, strengthening both relationships and individual resilience.

At Topa Institute (formerly The Ojai Foundation), Council has been a foundational practice in our work for many years and we hold regular Council sessions to build empathy and deepen relationships across our team. It's a practice also used by nonprofits, schools, and companies like Beyond Us & Them, Circle Ways, Snap Inc., Crossroads, and Pacifica to bring people together for deep listening and build stronger, more connected teams.

If you have questions or require support in order to attend, please contact alea@topainstitute.org