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 [...]

Carefully consider, will you re-act or re-spond. One is more restorative.

No matter who we are someone in life is going to hurt our feelings, make us mad or frustrated.  Someone will push a button that pushes an emotion.
I was telling my friend/old boyfriend that I wanted to be like Mother Theresa and that no one would make me mad.  He asked “How do you know, [...]

Understanding, living and facilitating Restorative Justice

The Journal for Peace & Justice Studies – volume 18 number 1 & 2  out of Villanova University is dedicated to Restorative Justice.  I have finally gotten a chance to start reading it.
The first article by Joyce Zavarich provides an excellent background in Restorative Justice.  What I really liked was a figure she developed.  She breaks [...]

A new sense of urgency for juvenile justice – how we respond as a society.

Never ever underestimate the value of networking.  Really it pays off.  I try to connect with people in meaningful and sincere ways.  Once again the gift I give has returned back to me. 
I’m in the center of the United States and she is out on the East Coast.  We met at the hotel coffee shop [...]

Small acts of kindness go a long way – and Restorative Justice is effective for being personal.

I am in beautiful Boise Idaho.  The 2nd Annual Northwest Alcohol Conference – it’s already seeming like it will be a good conference.  Last night in our hotel room, my daughter and I were starteled by a knock at the door.  Surely, they must have the wrong room, “I have a delivery for you”.  What!?  [...]

Victims and Restorative Justice. How, why and be a better practitioner.

I like to play around online – searching blogs, images, google scholor articles.  I don’t want the top three things that pop up on the web, I want something off the beaten path.  I want someone making strong arguements out against Restorative Justice.  I know it seems wierd, but it helps me.  I get to [...]

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, [...]

Restorative Justice practice is like working a finger trap.

If you’ve never played with one of these “finger traps” they can be fun.  I always have to tug a bit and watch the pieces work together.
I think doing Restorative Justice is a bit like working with one these.
Not every time, but often, when crime/conflict happens, an involuntary relationship is created between victim and offender.  [...]

10 work days and 11 Circles, I am ready for Spring Break!

I love my job.  I feel very blessed to get to be part of a restorative justice program that allows me so much flexibility.  I can be facilitating a circle and an hour later be vacuuming the floor!  I get to do all the executive director duties and be working on facilitating cases.
What I need to [...]

A common identity in Victim Offender Conferencing

I have had the good fortune to be around victim offender conferencing for over 10 years.  I must completely admit, when I sat in a circle, with a cardboard necklace that said “victim”, I thought “yeah, right”.  I didn’t much care for the role plays.  I remember it clearly, sitting in a Circle, in a [...]