Restorative Justice is the process of involving those who have a stake in a specific offense and collectively identify and address harms, needs, and obligations, in order to heal and put things as right as possible. These processes range from proactive peacebuilding circles designed to build relationships and prevent conflict to responsive conflict resolution processes that can repair and resolve harm from complex, systemic, multi-generational, multi-party conflict. Check out our infographic for more information.

Restorative practices have their origin in indigenous knowledge. They offer community members powerful tools to create and strengthen the connections and sense of belonging that weave our relationships, families, neighborhoods, and organizations together. Circles and Conference processes are commonly used by:

• Neighborhood groups

• Schools

• Workplaces

• Faith-based organizations

• Recreation centers

• Service providers

• Advocacy groups and people in many other settings can learn and use restorative circle and conferencing processes.

The dignity, mutual caring, and inclusion that people experience through these practices deepens understanding across differences, leading to greater harmony and reduced conflict. See this video for more.