Hello ,
TLDR; this summer is gonna be full of DEEP learning opportunities so if you want to take the next step on your RJ journey, and you haven't already, I'd love for you to enroll in our asynchronous "Intro to RJ" course and join for a LIVE integration session Saturday May 20 or 27. Save $100 with code S2S100
But if you've got a moment to read, appreciate it. :)
By now I hope you know that Restorative Justice goes beyond alternatives to punishment. But we need to be reminded more than we need to be taught. So here we go.
"Restorative Justice is a philosophy and set of practices, rooted in Indigenous teachings, that emphasize our interconnection by repairing relationships when harm occurs while proactively building & strengthening relationships (rooted in equity & trust) to prevent future harm." -David Ryan Barcega Castro-Harris (all five names for the ancestors, lol)
So as RJ practitioners addressing harm we generally ask:
- What happened?
- Who was impacted and how?
- What needs must be addressed in order to make things as right as possible?
- Who is responsible for meeting those needs?
As we strive to prevent future harm we can ask, "Are our behaviors conducive to building and/or maintaining equitable and trusting relationships?" If so, great! If not, we take accountability and course-correct the best we can.
Using these 2 frameworks to determine how individuals and communities can be together in a good way is the foundation of this work.
Of course there are systemic factors at play and since every relationship or situation is uniquely nuanced, the application is rarely so straightforward. Some version of this is essentially all I'm ever teaching or helping people reflect on.
So why am I telling you this, because I've been where you are . Knowing that there has to be a better way to navigate relationships and conflict. Scouring the internet for resources, reading books, learning the concepts, but struggling to practice and apply.
I got to where I am now because the beginning of my journey coincided with grad school, a time in my life were was fortunate enough to have the flexibility to intern for, learn from, and work alongside some amazing mentors. Through continued exploration on my own, guidance from elders and peers, practice and work across the criminal legal system, community organizations, schools, and more I've learned a lot.
While I can't provide that level of accompaniment, I've poured all that I know into a few offering that I know will give you additional support in embodying these ways of being in your daily life.
So here's an invitation to take the next step on your RJ journey.
We soft launched our asynchronous Intro to RJ course ($97) earlier this year, but because our summer learning opportunities are just around the corner, we're offering a LIVE integration session (usually $99) at no additional cost (use code S2S100)!
When you sign up you'll get immediate access to the asynchronous course material to learn the basics on your own time, but you'll also get access to a highly interactive session where you can ask questions, reflect on "case studies", and connect with others who are on the same learning journey.
Live sessions are the next two Saturdays
May 20 or May 27 from 9-11am Pacific/11am-1pm Eastern.
We have so many deeper learning opportunities coming this summer so if you haven't already (or if you want a refresher), you're gonna want to get this Intro to RJ learning under your belt as baseline knowledge!
More details to come soon, but a little preview of what's to come...
Saturday, June 3: Addressing White Fragility in Restorative Spaces LIVE workshop (separate sessions for Global Majority/Minority participants)
Monday, June 5: "Foundations of Restorative Justice" our new deep dive asynchronous course goes live
Saturday, June 10: Day 1 of our 6-month RJ Intensive (not necessarily for educators)
Monday, Juneteenth: Day one of our 6-week Summer Intensive for Educators (Creating a Restorative Classroom)
Wednesday June 21: Day one of our most comprehensive 6-week Summer Intensive for School Leaders (Building a Restorative School Community)
If you've been looking for ways to start your RJ learning journey or deepen your RJ practice, the time is now. I hope to be in space with you soon!
Peace, Love, & Solidarity,
David
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