Restorative Justice Project

The Restorative Justice Project here in Belfast is teaming up with St. Margaret’s for a three-part series this winter. The three sessions, on Sunday evenings, February 5 – February 19,  4 – 6 p.m. each two hours long, will be -

Session 1 — What is Restorative Justice about? What does it mean to move from a culture of punishment to one of restoration and healing? Come and hear about the restorative justice movement not just here in Maine but around the world.

Session 2 — The Practice of Restorative Justice. Restorative justice is and can be practiced not only in a place of corrections, but also a place of business, a place of gathering or within our schools. When wrongdoing and harm are caused, restorative justice views these wrongs as a violation of relationships with the people harmed and the community. How might those involved find peace, safety and regain trust?  Come hear stories from participants, watch a video of a real case and see how the process has the potential to change how individuals view themselves and their community.

Session 3 — Becoming a Restorative Community. How might we use restorative practices in our own lives and communities?  What would a restorative community exemplify? In this session we will experience restorative circles and explore the use of restorative practices in everyday life. We will learn how these simple practices can create greater connection and engagement with each other and in the work we do.