Episode 193: The Youth Are Not The Problem. They Are the Solution.

In this episode, we hear from the founder of The Circle Keepers, Martin Urbach, and three youth keepers, centering their voices and ideas about restorative practices, how to build unity across divides, and more. RJOTR believes strongly in this program and was deeply honored to host this very special episode that you won't want to miss. Listen in now to hear how youth -- directly from their voices and lived experiences -- are advocating and practicing on-the-ground! Who are The Circle Keepers? The Circle Keepers started in 2017 as a volunteer-run after school program for high school students to learn restorative justice practices such as peer mediation protocols, conflict resolution circles and community building activities as well as to hone their leadership skills, engage in political education, civic participation and produce community service/social justice projects and thus, create change in their school and in their neighborhoods.? Significant Achievements: 100% of student participants surveyed report that The Circle Keepers program made their school experience more meaningful Started youth-led restorative justice cohorts in 8 different public schools, across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Bronx. Helped reduce suspensions by 95% at one Manhattan borough school in District 2 in the span of 4 years (2019-2023) Testified for City Council to successfully restore over $32M of funding cuts towards restorative justice justice programming in NYC Public Schools from 2022-2024. Developed a comprehensive Restorative Justice Curriculum for grades 6-8 and grades 9-12, currently offered as semester long electives in a D2 and a D15 school. Trained over 1000 students as restorative justice peer mediators, Trained over 100 NYC Public School staff in school based restorative justice practices. Traveled to Austin, TX to present a sold-out workshop at the SXSWedu 2023 conference of over 100 guests. Traveled to Washington, DC to meet with Leader Charles Schumer to learn about federal policy and  explored the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop a stronger sense of Black epistemologies and ontologies. Produced a “Green New Deal for Public Schools” roundtable with Congressman Jamaal Bowman at Sarah Lawrence College. Produced youth led conference for 250+ NYC youth, rooted on the theme of “peace and justice”, bringing together 50+ stakeholders, including youth development organizations, city agencies, elected officials and even private businesses donating food and supplies!? HOSTED BY: Founder & Executive Producer Molly Rowan Leach (she/her), and Social Media and Marketing Manager Logan Ward (he/him), who is also an accomplished Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker (Remarkable, 2024) ABOUT MOLLY: https://restorativejusticeontherise.org/about-us/host-executive-producer/ Molly’s writing: https://medium.com/@mollyleach   ABOUT LOGAN: https://www.loganward.net/about Logan’s portfolio: https://www.loganward.net/     ABOUT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ON THE RISE The world's first restorative justice podcast and public lives platform, since 2011, reaching and connecting 6 continents and tens of thousands of listeners and practitioners per episode.   RJ on The Rise LinkTree: Follow, Subscribe, and Engage in one place! Support 15 years of global independent restorative media efforts here.