Definitions

Restorative Practices (RPs) are strategic methods for interrupting violence and promoting peace and healing. RPs can be used proactively, to promote a culture of collaboration and peace. In cases where harm has already been done, RPs are utilized to clarify, address, and to the extent possible, ensure repair for the harm done. Rooted in respect for our interdependent nature, RPs prioritize accountability to the individuals and communities who have experienced harm while seeking healing for all.

There is a rainbow of methods under the umbrella of “Restorative Practices.” Some of the practices we employ the most include:

Restorative Justice (RJ) Processes: At its most specific, a restorative justice process is a community-based method for addressing harm. RJ developed from the wisdom of indigenous traditions around the world and involves the person(s) to whom harm has been done, the person(s) responsible for that harm, and members of their community/ies. Each participant in the process must freely consent to participating. RJ processes are highly specific, accounting for the harm that was done and what those who were harmed need to heal. 

Common forms of RJ include Circles (proactive) and Conferences (responsive). We really like the definitions of “proactive circles” and “responsive conferences” offered on the Mediation Center of Dutchess County website.

Transformative Justice (TJ) Actions: “Transformative Justice” is an approach to systems change that grew out of roots in the restorative justice movement. To distinguish itself from Restorative Justice specifically, Transformative Justice prioritizes independence from reliance on state actors for conflict resolution. It centers the relationship of intersectionality and systemic oppression in the accountability and dialogue process and frequently involves futures-oriented actions to catalyze change. The Barnard Center for Research on Women put together a super informative short video about Transformative Justice.

Emerging values: RP / EP 

Engaged Pluralism: Vassar College defines this term as:

1. “the philosophy that social difference is not a barrier or challenge, but rather an essential part of a strong community;”
2. “the conviction that collaborating across differences is necessary for social transformation and critical for the well-being of any community and its members.” Restorative practices, rooted in ancient indigenous wisdom, have always departed from an embrace of our inescapable interdependence, a fact that threats to biodiversity make plain today. To engage a restorative approach is to believe that the path to collective flourishing travels through exploring difference.

Transformation:

“All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you. The only lasting truth is change.”

Octavia Butler

We agree. Working with change as a constant, rather than an opponent, provides a window into how harm and hurt can transform toward harmony and healing. Words like “restoration” and “resolution” can sometimes imply going back to a status quo that was harmful to begin with or is no longer possible. In contrast, “transformation” offers in many cases a more accurate description of the restorative change process. 

Sustainability: means choosing to work in ways that render everyone more capable of flourishing. In our work, this looks like moving at the speed of trust, prioritizing wellbeing, and reaching for solutions that are do-able and durable for everyone involved, including the planet.

Hope: distinct from positivity or optimism, hope is the discipline of putting values into practice. One way of describing this in restorative contexts is that no one can be reduced to either the worst thing they have experienced or the worst thing they have done. To practice hope is a strategy of resilience, encouraging us to brave difficult conversations and stretch toward sustainable transformation.