The Center for Restorative Justice is a private, nonprofit organization committed to restorative practices since 1997. Volunteers from the community receive training and assistance to be skilled mediators between those who have been harmed by conflict and those who caused the harm. Mediators for the Center arrange and conduct respectful, cooperative mediations between victims of crime and offenders. They also facilitate peacemaking through community and group conferencing, talking circles and reparative boards in order to prevent an escalation of hostilities among neighbors and between groups of neighbors and in businesses and agencies in the neighborhoods. Young people in schools are trained by the Center for Restorative Justice to practice peacemaking and respectful dialogue among their peers and with adults in the school community.
Restorative justice allows people to speak directly with each other in a safe and neutral environment, to discuss the impact of a crime or dispute, to better understand events leading up to or resulting from harmful acts, to reach agreement on how that harm may be repaired for individuals and the community. Restorative practices move people from fear, blame and retaliation to taking responsibility, speaking out and being heard, and coming to agreement so that individuals and communities may become whole once again.
To become a member, please fill out our simple (PDF) printable form.