What are AK Circle Cycles?

Since the beginning of All Kings, over four years ago, we have run weekly circles -- spaces for men to connect and do personal development work. We consider them to be essential to our model, and an important part of every man's growth and healing in this organization. 

Our circles ran in Harlem, Brooklyn, and online, and they functioned according to an "open format.” This meant they were extremely flexible. Any man could attend on any given week. Men could come when they wanted and leave when they wanted. Other men from the circle facilitated the circles, and the format varied from night to night. The circles ran indefinitely, as long as at least two men showed up.

While men said they appreciated the availability of the circles, attendance was sporadic, and the quality of circles varied greatly, depending on the experience of the men running them. Without clear commitments, we found that men didn't show up regularly. Over time, the circles petered out. We heard from many men that they liked the idea of a weekly circle, but this format wasn't really working for them.

As a result, we put the circles on pause, and created a new model. 

What's the new model? 

The AK Circle Cycle are different from the old circles in some key ways:

1. Limited Duration — Instead of running indefinitely, each Circle Cycle will last for 8 weeks. 

2. Experienced Facilitators — Each Cycle will have at least two experienced facilitators, who will run the circle. They will either develop the curriculum for the circle, or offer a pre-developed curriculum.

3. Specific Themes — Each Cycle will have a single theme that will be developed over the course of the eight weeks. The first cycle will be about our relationship to money. We imagine future cycles on all sorts of themes: Relationships, Ancestry, the Warrior Archetype, Integrity, Physical Health. The point is to be able to do a deep dive on each topic, to uncover what is really driving us, and try to make some tangible changes. 

4. Clear Commitments — Men who sign up for the circle will be asked to commit to attending 6 of the 8 weeks, and to show up on time. There will be an emphasis on accountability, and clear priorities. If a man can't commit to attending, that's okay! We all have competing priorities. The point is that Circle Cycles are for men who want to prioritize them, and the other men who attend. 

Will you still have open circles?

Unfortunately, not right now, due to capacity. We are interested in starting an open circle again, and will keep you updated on that. 

How can I sign up?

Click here to sign up for the first circle cycle. If you have questions, reach out to AK Programming Director Kevin Wall (kevin@allkings.org).