“In this field we call restorative justice, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard such a poignant and precise definition as what Eric shared today: “Restorative justice is a way of us finding out what our common value system is and then figuring out a way to use those values to penetrate the needs of our community.”
We can create the justice of our imagination.
We are convinced that the power of storytelling, paired with relationship building through shared values, can empower communities to break free from cycles of systemic, institutional, and interpersonal harm.
Proactive & Intentional
Restorative Justice is a proactive approach to solving some of life’s most difficult challenges. Moving beyond just a victim vs. offender approach, we believe that the foundation of true Restorative Justice lies in building and maintaining lasting relationships.
The Talking Peace way seeks opportunities to build intentional and conscious relationships. When conflict arises, or harm is done, people can solve difficult challenges before them with a relational framework. By building strong relationships, and a sense of caring for one another, the opportunities are endless.
Strength in Community Building
First, we begin with community building. Through one-on-ones and in Circle settings, we connect people to each other intentionally. Making those connections and building relationships is key, and can often help to avoid conflict.
Next, we look at how to respond to conflict and wrong doing through the lens of our relationships. As Restorative Justice is not a punitive process, we shift our focus from rules, instead, to how we impact others.
Grounded in our relationships and community, we can move into intensive support of one another. Restorative Justice is essential for helping people dealing with reentering into communities after incarceration, a family or health crisis, an academic or behavioral struggle, or even interpersonal conflict. Through intentional efforts and conversation, we connect to what is happening, what is needed, and who in the community can help meet those needs. With this process, we look at the root causes that are causing the struggle, and find ways to resolve the challenges.
Relationships, Relationships, Relationships!
Through our Restorative Justice practice, we are better equipped to prevent harm from being done in the first place…thanks to strong relationships and community building. When proactive, we can learn what people’s true needs are and how to support each other’s needs as a connected community.