Gripping story of teen drinking and driving . . . another lesson.

The Door County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Department and local coalition produced this video, the story of Karen and Amanda.  It’s real and it hits me because I work with situations like this at SCVRJP.  I help speakers like the ones in this video, share their story.
As you watch this, you will be drawn in, get a tissue.  [...]

Really, a “beer summit”, please! Underage drinking is a international health care issue! Besides Restorative Justice would have been better!

I recently returned from the Northwest Alcohol Conference.  Law enforcement, coalition members, educators and prevention specialist came together to address underage drinking and impaired driving.  I was re-energized about this issue.
Underage drinking kills more young people than all other drugs combined!  From MADD to the Distillers themselves: Century Council, community changes are being called for.  [...]

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!?  [...]

St Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program – innovative and outstanding!

I’ve got to explain something about  St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice.
We are cutting edge, awesome.  We have taken the Restorative Justice Circle process and applied to two key public health issues – underage drinking and safe teen driving.
We are now offering copies of our MN Public Television Program – the documentary On the Road Together: Safe [...]

The really Restorative Mantra . . . Judge None.

Judge None.
Two very simple words.  I like to play around and develop catch phrases for Restorative Jusitce.  I try to keep my “elevator speech” fresh and I try to keep a good batch of Restorative Jusitce “bumper stickers” handy.  About 6 months ago I came up with Judge None as a concept point.  I was [...]

RJ to law enforcement and prevention.

Here at SCVRJP, we have a few really awesome cutting edge initiatives.  Of course I maybe a little biased – I had a lot to do with each of these programs.
The first is our Underage Consumption Panels, search this site for posts that mention underage.  Anyone who is issued an underage age consumption ticket from [...]

A brief overview of Circle Stages – notes from ‘07

I’m cleaning out the office.  I am moving my book writing area from home to the office.  My office space is packed to capacity.  So it’s time to rearrange, and clean things out.  I found a page of  notes I made for a training.  These notes are my ideas on explaining what happens at each [...]

Restorative Justice Volunteering IS community.

St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice is, because of a few people volunteering time, energy and a combined $300.  Back in 2001 a bank account was opened as the first official transaction of SCVRJP.  A volunteer board of directors still governs SCVRJP today.  In 2001 I was on the board, I volunteered to get the program [...]

Circle Phase 4 – Taking Action

The final stage of a Circle Process, deals with leaving the Circle.  The goal is to have everyone reflect on how they experienced the Circle.  It is a chance for a final, say in what you need, so you can leave in Peace.
I often share that you don’t leave a Circle the same as when [...]

SCVRJP – Programs that use Circles

SCVRJP uses Circles! I’ll explain our Circle programs:
We facilitate Underage Consumption Panels, in Circle. A recent volunteer shared that at first explanation, he thought “what, this is for little kids?”. As it turns out he said “the process is amazing and can really get to the heart of issues”. We use a workbook to support [...]