Our motives, our fears and walking in light vs dark.

This might be a bit of an ‘arm chair’ quarterback perspective.  Here’s my belief and my blog post today:
You remain motivated by fear, when you continue to walk in the dark.
I just started reading Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior, by David Hawkins.  It was one of those odd occurances where something [...]

Having a process to repair harm is really important.

Often times, the process of participating in a Circle or Community Conference means a lot to community members and victims attending.  I am often times impressed with how having the discussion, removes a great deal of weight in the room.  Weight off the shoulders of the offender, for the harm caused.  Weight off of the [...]

The Fundraiser was a smashing SUCCESS!

I got to the hotel banquet room early.  I wish I would have snapped a photo.  The SCVRJP logo was on the program at each place setting.  Coffee mugs with the SCVRJP logo created a circle shaped center pieces.  There were 15 roundtables, each seating eight set up the length of the banquet room.  As [...]

Speaking about Restorative Justice, what one thing, is most important.

I’m struggling with what to say at tonights first fundraiser.  I know that I will have a demonstration towards the end.  I plan to make the ‘mic’ the talking piece, and have a few testimonials from the crowd.  I have a few people aware that the spontaneous opportunity will be presented.  I do believe I [...]

Restorative Justice promotion, took a new step.

One of the most popular posts on my blog, has a picture of stairs.  The point of the blog, is learning stairs.  Playing off the term ‘learning curve’.  I do think the popularity of the post, is not in it’s content, but in the photo.  People search stairs, and that photo catches them and gives [...]

The power in hearing every voice, and the power of Circle participation.

“I was at a training, about leadership and meetings.  They said something that struck me, and reminded me of Circle.  They said the meeting doesn’t start until every voice is heard.” – spoken in a talking circle.

My immediate thought was about how many meetings I was in that had really never started!  It also validated [...]

Using Talking Circles to promote social justice.

 
At UWRF Restorative Justice is being used to address Social Justice issues.  Specifically talking circles, to promote discussion and inspire action.  The four phases of the Circle will work well for this.
Our final phase of Circle is ‘Taking Action’ and action promotes social justice.
This began back when I connected with campus activities and student services staff [...]

The value of viewing people in the context of their relationships.

I am rereading Restorative Justice Transforming Societies.  I am teaching from this book, the University of Wisconsin River Falls, Special Topics course Intro to Restorative Justice.  As I read the book again, from just a year ago, I’ve been suprised at what I find interesting, or have more experience with that creates these “a-ha’s” for [...]

Milk cows can give you restorative story, even briefly.

I had a really odd morning.  While taking my cat to the kennel, a fox darted across the road, I helped move cows and ran over a squirrel. 
Is that all a little crazy before 10 am or what?  Do you need a few details to not feel crazy?  I think those experiences helped with the [...]

A new term, a passion and taking life on, full force.

Today in Bikram Yoga, the teacher introduced me to a new term.  “Yoga Buzz”.  We do a pose that gets your heart pounding like you ran up a set of stairs.  In reality it’s a backward bend in 104 degree heat.  I love it.  It’s not for everyone.  In one class I remember thinking “am I [...]