We are as strong as our weakest relationships.

Consider for a moment your most conflicted relationship.  Who are you at conflict with right now? Today, at this moment.  The person maybe part of your inner circle of connections, your child, spouse, friend or coworker.  Maybe you have a more distant relationship that is in conflict, a boss, an ex-wife, an old boyfriend.
Conflict is [...]

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 [...]