Understanding 001

 

Restorative Justice is a philosophy that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by “wrongdoing” and conflict, placing decisions in the hands of those most affected - addressing the concern of the victim, the offender, and the surrounding community. Restorative Justice is about the capacity of ordinary people to prevent, identify, and solve their problems.

 

Restorative Justice is a philosophy founded on the belief that relationships built on values such as dignity, respect, trust, and love, are the glue that holds communities together.

 

Restorative Justice uses dialogue-based strategies to build and strengthen relationships. When a conflict arises, key stakeholders collectively address harms, needs, and obligations to learn from, heal, and minimize the recurrence.

 

Restorative Justice is an approach to justice that heals harm and restores relationships.

​

 

Understanding 002

​​

1. Restorative Justice is a process to involve, to the extent possible, those who have a stake in a specific offense and to collectively identify and address harms, needs, and obligations to heal and make things as right as possible.

​​

2. Restorative Justice in communities is a set of practices and values that build community and relationships, holistically preventing and repairing harm, resulting in a positive, supportive climate.

​​

3. At its core, Restorative Justice is a philosophy and approach to creating communities of care, hospitality, and accompaniment, both to set a foundation for sustaining and deepening relationships and how we respond if/when conflict or harm arises.

​​

4. Restorative Justice promotes values and principles that use inclusive, collaborative approaches to being in the community. These approaches recognize and validate the experiences, expressions, and needs of everyone within the community, particularly those who have been most marginalized, oppressed, or harmed. These approaches allowed us to act and respond in healing rather than alienating or coercive ways.

​​

 

Understanding 003

​

Restorative Justice is a philosophy and set of practices grounded in Indigenous teachings that focus on building good relationships first and healing when relationships are hurt. 
 

When someone causes harm, Restorative Justice gives us a way of addressing it, without causing more damage. Caring for the victim, by allowing the people with the most at stake to address the conflict.

 

“while often mistakenly considered only reactive to harm, restorative justice is also a proactive strategy to create an "Indigenous inspired" culture of connectivity where all community members thrive and feel valued." 

 

“Powerful communal bonds, woefully lacking in contemporary culture, are the community’s greatest security and protection from crime.*”

​

* Davis, Fania.  The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice: Black Lives, Healing and US Social Transformation. p.​​​

​​

What are Peace Circles?

​

The peace circle process is an engaging and dynamic tool that brings the philosophy of Restorative Justice to life. The circle process can heal, deepen, and sustain healthy relationships within households, families, street organizations, businesses, churches, and any place people share space.

​

Whether it's for processing the transition of life, celebrating an event, restoring family connections, returning home from serving time, or just supporting individuals on their journey, the circle is an effective tool for communication.

 

The process fosters shared values such as respect, honesty, empathy, and accountability.