Intro to Restorative Justice Circles

Restorative Justice, or "RJ," is a philosophy and set of practices that engage the community in building relationships and repairing harm through inclusive dialogue, deep understanding, and shared power. This session will provide participants a chance to engage with both the theoretical roots and practical tactics of Restorative Justice Facilitation and Philosophy.  Participants will establish a baseline for what, where, and how Restorative Justice manifests itself in our world. Attendees will engage in community building exercises, multimedia presentation, and ample dialogue around the core tenets of "RJ." Finally, participants will have a chance to enter their very own restorative circle, designed in the model that the DC Peace Team uses in the greater Washington, DC community. This will provide attendees with a chance to see, hear, and feel what Restorative Justice in Practice looks like, leading to a deeper understanding of how effective "RJ" can be. Objectives:      1. Achieve an understanding of the core questions and tenets of Restorative Justice      2. Gain familiarity with the many forms of Restorative Practices      3. Understand the DC Peace Team method of Restorative Circle Keeping