From the beginning of the organization’s pilot project, process was valued as an essential element of creating new partnerships. Community and government worked on solutions to violence in isolation of each other. Working together required a model of participation that was inclusive, flexible, and avoided creating power and control relationships. The format in which to create this environment was based on the Aboriginal Circle of Life. These life teachings acknowledge the need to balance the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs of the organization. The underlying elements of such a partnership embrace the following principles: inclusion, trust, consensus decision-making and shared leadership. Defining the partnership principles was clarified in a two-day strategic planning session in 1999.

At the STOPS to Violence roundtable, meeting the needs of a diverse partnership has meant acknowledging the barriers to participating comfortably. Inclusion of interested partners is reflected not just in the opportunity to participate, but in the adoption of organizational policy that supports participation. Building strong partnerships has meant providing the opportunity for relationship building. Provincial meetings are formatted to allow participants to share not only of their job, but of themselves as individuals if they choose. This has been modeled in the opening and closing circles that are opened by elders who share their wisdom and/or prayers.

The value of the diversity of the group is important. Participants may come from services that support victims, families, and perpetrators, and from multiple disciplines within government (local, provincial and federal ). Participation is not limited to those who are professionally involved. Individuals with a desire to contribute to the reduction and elimination of violence within their community are also equally valued for their participation. Overall, the roundtable reflects different services, disciplines, cultures, and particular interest groups from around the province. With such diversity, trust can be a factor for safe participation. Building trust relies on creating an environment where every person has an opportunity to speak, and that their contribution is acknowledged and valued. When participating in organizational goal and activity planning, decision making proceeds by consensus. Reaching consensus is the act of reaching general agreement. In the history of STOPS to Violence meetings, there have been many situations where consensus could not be reached on an issue but the group could agree to revisit it at another meeting. This process can not be rushed and works best when participants are given clear information before and during the meeting.