We feel connected to other people when we sense that they see us, know us, and care about us. That is what connection circles are about: being seen, being heard, being known, and developing affection. Therefore, the objectives for these circles are that participants - be they youth or adults, their family and their friends and fellow community members will feel:
That they have been seen; That they have been heard; That they have been understood; That they are connected; That they have given and received respect—and perhaps affection—from their family and their friends.