Led by Joanne Blaney from MKLM, Restorative justice practices align with core principles of nonviolence, respect for human dignity, empathy, community, healing and restoration.  The course participants will develop skills in the use of restorative circles of dialogue, peace-building and conflict.  This training is experiential, and together we can discover the transformative power of circles to strengthen relationships, build community and repair harm. The circle creates a space for folks to learn from each other, heal traumas and bring about transformation.

In a world of violence and polarization, we will practice ways to welcome diverse views, prevent and intervene in conflicts, and to build peace in our families, communities and neighborhoods.  

The training will include:

·       Origins and philosophy of restorative justice

·       Nonviolence and direct/structural violence

·       Conflict development and transformation

·       Restorative values

·       What is truth?

·       Practice in Restorative Justice circles:

             1. Dialogue Circle

             2. Peace-Building Circle

             3. Conflict Circle

·       Art of asking questions that lead to dialogue and engagement

·       Active listening skills.

·       Practice in Nonviolent Communication