People really do just want to be heard.

My first interaction with Ted Wachtel from IIRP, was almost 10 years ago.  We were in a break out session, in the Thunderbird Motel in Minneapolis, MN.  During the discussion, Ted spoke about a Harvard Business Review Article on ‘Fair Process’.  I followed up at lunch, he took my card and said he would send [...]

We become a part of everyone we interact with.

Three of us were walking on campus, chatting away.  A street lamp was on my side of the sidewalk.  I was going to quickly cut around it.  I stopped, said “oh you can’t split the pole”.  I went on to explain I learned that from some girls I had in Circle. 
I said I honor my [...]

Restorative Justice is a place where “mixed” messages work.

I’ve heard the communication pitfall . . . sending “mixed messages”.  Urban dictionary gives this example:
A friend tells you he wants to remain “just friends,” and then proceeds to call you every day, text message you twice a day, and express how much he misses you on a regular basis.
I am not recommending mixed messages, [...]

Great article explaining Restorative Justice – Marilyn Armour

I met Marilyn while I was taking Mark Umbriet’s week long severe crime and violence training.  That was in 2005.
When I saw her again in 2007, I reinforced how much her presentation on “meaning making” shaped my work.  At the most recent meeting, I asked her to write an essay in the upcoming book “On [...]

I love the Vietnam Memorial – Memorial Day post

 
 

 

 

 
The first time I visited I was in high school, it was 1985.  I was in Washington DC as part of a 4-H Citizenship program.  I remember being emotionally drawn in, feeling afraid and confused about why I was so taken.
The photos above are from 2007, I was in Washington DC, for a National Conference.  [...]

An excellent read on Restorative Justice and a life well lived.

I am so passionate.  It runs intense or not at all for me.  So I read this book in less than 24 hours.  I got home around 10 pm, to find Dreams from the Monster Factory had arrived in the mail. 
I can’t remember the first time I heard about this book.  I do remember seeing [...]

Relationship patterns can be hard to break. A chance to practice what I preach.

Recently I posted on congruency, and earlier here.  I mean it, I value that and strive to be that kind of a person.  It helps me watch my speech (gossip or put downs).  It helps me remember to ask myself  is it kinds, true and necessary.  I want to be kind, true and necessary.
Lately I’ve [...]

I believe in blogging and I believe you could be a blogger.

I did a post back in October – writers, write and painters paint.   I didn’t know that in 7 months over 8,000 people would have taken a look at my blog, my writing.  It’s given me many gifts. 
Recently in Texas, at a National Conference someone told me how much they like my blog.  I almost [...]

The benefits of using equality, values and a labyrinth approach.

I’m going to focus on providing rationale for my Circle style.  Background in this post.

Equality.  How I promote this:  during my opening explanation and with the use of values.  I explain how we are all equal and all responsible for our circle experience.  We get what we give, in a brief sense.  I make sure [...]

Circle facilitation and the many different options, you’ll have to decide.

Yesterday I posted on some differences between a Restorative Justice Circle – and a Conference.  I made a little graphic, I had some trouble posting it.  You can link here to view it.  http://circlespace.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/circle-elements-jpg.pdf
The blog post has been on my mind.  For one I don’t want to be a critical person.  Yet, I know I am [...]