Restorative Justice On The Rise

What does it truly mean for restorative justice to be community-centered and held? In this powerful conversation, Molly Rowan Leach is joined by Lindsey Frischer (Southwest Community Justice Coalition), Cristina Cabeza (Colorado Coalition for Restorative Justice Practices), and Ames Stenson (Restorative Rainbow Alliance) & Englewood Municipal Court RJ Program) for a deep dive into coalition-building, relational accountability, and the living practice of restorative justice across Colorado. This is not a theoretical discussion. It is a grounded, hard-earned exploration of what it takes to build restorative infrastructure — inside systems, beyond systems, and sometimes in partnership with them. Together, they unpack: What “community-held restorative justice” actually looks like in practice Building coalitions across municipalities, courts, and grassroots spaces Asset mapping and capacity-building as alternatives to over-reliance on punishment Moving “at the speed of trust” Why restorative justice must actively dismantle harm — not replicate it The creation and impact of Colorado’s updated RJ Practitioner Guidelines The groundbreaking work of the Restorative Rainbow Alliance and LGBTQ+ inclusion in restorative practice As Cristina reminds us, community is not idyllic or abstract: “Community holds all of it.” From statewide policy work to small-town circle practice, this episode reveals how justice becomes sustainable when it is relational, intentional, and collectively stewarded. You’ll hear how community agreements, harm processes, and values-based organizing create real alternatives to punitive systems — and how restorative justice expands when it embraces transformative justice, equity, and shared power. This conversation is a masterclass in what it means to build justice together. If this episode moves you, please share it widely.Grassroots led stories shift culture. .   Host: Founder & Executive Producer Molly Rowan Leach (she/her), and Post Production Credits to our Social Media and Marketing Manager Logan Ward (he/him), who is also an accomplished Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker (Remarkable, 2024) About: https://restorativejusticeontherise.org   RJ on The Rise LinkTree: Follow, Subscribe, and Engage in one place! Support 15 years of global independent restorative media efforts here.

LIFER: One Man. One Dog. Transformed. With Director Raul Perez & Brian Michael James. [Proof Video] In this extraordinary episode of Restorative Justice on The Rise, Molly Rowan Leach sits down with Brian Michael James, who served 29 years and two months in prison beginning at age 16, and Raul Perez, director of the upcoming film LIFER. Brian opens the conversation with stark clarity: “Today is 1,154 days free after I served 29 years and two months from the ages of 16 to 45.” What unfolds is not simply a story of incarceration — it is a story of belonging, trauma, accountability, radical forgiveness, and transformation. Brian shares the childhood wounds that shaped his early path, the split-second decision that took a life, and the decades that followed. He describes the night that changed everything: “That decision right there took me a total of three seconds to make… That man died that night.” He speaks candidly about prison violence, addiction, solitary confinement, and the death of his beloved grandmother — the moment that forced him to choose whether to live or die: “I decided that I’m going to live a life that would honor my grandmother… She planted good seeds in me. They just hadn’t sprouted yet.” Years later, a poster on a prison wall changed the trajectory of his life: a dog rescue program. After 25 years incarcerated, Brian knelt down and touched a dog for the first time: “It was nothing less than a spiritual experience.” The rescue dog, Flynn — who had been scheduled for euthanasia — became part of Brian’s healing. Through the program, he discovered purpose, responsibility, and connection: “In the three months of this program, I discovered literally who I wanted to be and who I was as a man.” In a powerful restorative arc, Brian also shares his participation in Healing Dialogue & Action (HDA), where he sat with mothers of murder victims. In one unforgettable moment, after asking how he could ever live with what he had done, one mother stood and said: “How about we forgive you for that?” Brian describes that experience as life-altering — a release that allowed him to move forward with accountability rather than self-annihilation. When he finally appeared before the parole board decades later, he told them: “Whether they let me home or not was not going to alter anything. This is who I am today.” He was granted parole in 2022. Today, Brian works to give back, speaking to incarcerated individuals and communities about hope, transformation, and responsibility: “You are really, really needed in the world right now.” Director Raul Perez shares why telling stories like this matters: “We want to inspire change and hope… even if we change one person’s mind watching this… then we did our job.” LIFER is more than a film about prison.It is about radical forgiveness.It is about the power of dogs to restore dignity.It is about the possibility that no human being is beyond transformation. About Our Guests Brian Michael James served 29 years in California state prison and now dedicates his life to restorative work, advocacy, and speaking about transformation and accountability. Raul Perez is the director of LIFER, a film inspired by Brian’s journey and the life-changing impact of prison dog programs. If this episode moves you, please share it widely.Stories like this shift culture. .   Host: Founder & Executive Producer Molly Rowan Leach (she/her), and Post Production Credits to our Social Media and Marketing Manager Logan Ward (he/him), who is also an accomplished Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker (Remarkable, 2024) About: https://restorativejusticeontherise.org   RJ on The Rise LinkTree: Follow, Subscribe, and Engage in one place! Support 15 years of global independent restorative media efforts here.

In this episode: Mika Dashman, Founding Director of Restorative Justice Initiative, in its tenth anniversary year celebration whose mission is to build a community of New Yorkers who reflect the diversity of our city to expand healing and non-punitive responses to harm at the personal, neighborhood and systemic levels. Arguably RJI's reach is MUCH beyond New York, with deep international ties creating essential connections between communities and trusted practitioners, and providing essential resources and programs that inspire, inform, and connect. Thus, the topic of this session: the unseen--and arguably under-rated, impacts of networks like RJI. What is their place in the field, and why is it critical to support networking organizations? We discuss this and much more, with host Molly Rowan Leach. Who is RJI? At the core of our vision for social change through restorative approaches is the centrality of relationships. RJI helps to lay the groundwork for a cultural shift from punishment and retribution to healing in New York City’s neighborhoods and systems by nurturing relationships among practitioners and advocates.  We also distribute resources to strengthen practice and promote ongoing learning, and facilitate strategic planning. Although restorative justice is often placed in a “criminal justice reform” or “school climate” box, its philosophy—which is based on indigenous spiritual beliefs and practices—goes to the heart of how we live and work together in community, building trust and understanding. Restorative justice processes give voice to those directly impacted by harm, and encourage deep listening across differences; these restorative processes encourage storytelling that illustrates the complex, and sometimes contradictory realities of our lives. Our Operating Principles:  All life is interconnected. We value and center relationships. We value and center authentic self-reflection. We treat all people as capable of healing and transformation. We believe that harm occurs on both interpersonal and systemic levels and must be addressed on both. We center and champion conditions that invite people to take accountability for harm. We see restorative justice as part of a larger movement toward a healthier, safer city. Who We Work With RJI works with people interested in Restorative Justice across NYC’s 5 boroughs, including: People living and/or working in NYC & NY metro region RJ Practitioners RJ Advocates Philanthropists Community organizers Community based organizations NYC Government agencies Educators Lawyers Social Workers Healers Parents Youth   Faith Community & Clergy Families Survivors of violence Individuals who have caused harm Returning citizens School administrators and staff Significant Achievements: In spring 2021, the NYC Commission on Human Rights tapped RJI to join an advisory group to guide the incorporation of restorative justice principles and practices into the Commission’s litigation, policy, and community-based work. RJI provided thought leadership to help develop a model of robust accountability for those that have caused or contributed to sexual harm that is both survivor-centered and based on powerful inclusivity, rather than based on “othering” and public shaming. Since 2018 we have partnered with The Center for Creative Conflict Resolution at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) to host a series of Citywide Roundtables on Restorative Approaches, where we convened diverse stakeholders to begin developing a vision for a restorative city. Trinity Church Wall Street has called on us more than once to help design and facilitate retreats and events related to restorative justice. In February 2023, we held the 5th Citywide Roundtable on Restorative Approaches, marking the first Citywide Roundtable held in-person since January 2020, and the first Citywide Roundtable held in Queens. In March 2023, we launched our Storytelling for Collective Healing program, which paired artists and storytellers to amplify reconciliation, transformation, and healing stories. We created the Practitioner Spotlight, a digital interview series that shines a light on novel approaches to restorative justice from across our network. In 2022, we established our inaugural Youth Advocacy Council that ran for the 2022-23 academic year. The Council designed personal community projects, including facilitating conversations on restorative justice at their previously attended middle schools, current high schools, and community bookstores, and preparing to facilitate community circles with their mentors. We curated and hosted a series of circles on the topic of grief and grieving, that allowed for participants to be seen as they move through the many challenges of the current moment. Also in 2023, we began hosting online gatherings for RJ Consultants and Independent Contractors, forming a community of practice to combat isolation and share resources and support. HOSTED BY: Founder & Executive Producer Molly Rowan Leach (she/her), and Post Production Credits to our 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/   RJ on The Rise LinkTree: Follow, Subscribe, and Engage in one place! Support 15 years of global independent restorative media efforts here.

What happens when we feel able to share and connect honestly with other human beings, even in the face of significant differences, views, and even conflict and harm? As many restorative justice practitioners know who actively facilitate any form of circle or conference, or convening with a purpose, there often comes a moment when the sharp tenseness transmutes to....something unexpected, something that allows for a new understand, a new lens on oneself and the "other", a bridge of sorts where none previously existed...you know it, we know it, you've witnessed and so have we....but what is that? How does it happen? What are the conditions for transforming in the face of pain and suffering, with those who harmed us or those we've harmed?  And what are the basic needs we as humans have, across the world, that we can lift up especially during violent and unthinkable collapsing times? This is a conversation more than it is a structured interview with the incredible Shilpa Jain. Welcome to the Restorative Justice on The Rise Living Room, where we ask deeper questions about restoration, healing, and justice. About Shilpa Shilpa's Substack (full of incredible posts on timely topics) Shilpa Jain is currently rooting herself in Oakland/Berkeley, CA. For the last 11+ years, she served as the Executive Director of YES!. YES! works with social changemakers at the meeting point of internal, interpersonal and systemic change, and aims to co-create a thriving, just and balanced world for all. Prior to this role, Shilpa spent two years as the Education and Outreach Coordinator of Other Worlds and ten years as a learning activist with Shikshantar: The Peoples’ Institute for Rethinking Education and Development, based in Udaipur, India, where she served as coordinator of the Swapathgami (Walkouts-Walkons) Network. Shilpa has researched and written numerous books and articles, and facilitated workshops and gatherings on topics including globalization, creative expressions, ecology, democratic living, innovative learning and unlearning. Her publications include A Poet's Challenge to Schooling, Reclaiming the Gift Culture, Other Worlds of Power, Paths of Unlearning, Unfolding Learning Societies volumes one, two and three, and several issues of Vimukt Shiksha (“Liberating Learning”) and the Swapathgami newsletter “Making Our Paths of Living and Learning”. She is also co-author of “Connect. Inspire. Collaborate”, a highly sought-after facilitation manual. Shilpa has facilitated dozens of transformative leadership gatherings in India, Jordan, Senegal, Lebanon, Egypt, Thailand, Canada, Peru, and the US, working with hundreds of young leaders from over 50 countries. She was founding coordinator of the Global Youth Leadership Collaborative, a network of 15 Jam facilitators from 14 countries that has collectively produced dozens of international gatherings for young changemakers, and distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to small-scale grassroots social change innovations worldwide. Shilpa made the decision to leave the trappings of academia, Washington, DC, and the path of “professionalism” to live and work in greater alignment with her soul's calling. Today, she sees her work as contributing to the deep healing of internal, interpersonal and systemic breakdown. Shilpa is committed to using very simple human technologies to uncover ways for people to free themselves from dominating, soul-crushing institutions and to live in greater alignment with their hearts and deepest values, their local communities, and with nature.   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.

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.

This webinar was recorded on May 9th, 2025. In this episode, social anthropologist and experienced mediator Deborah Heifetz will explore her groundbreaking Map to Compassion — a non-hierarchical framework recently published in MIT’s Journal of Awareness-Based Systems Change. She will guide us in understanding how we can sustain curiosity in environments dominated by fear and distrust. Drawing on over 30 years of global peacebuilding experience and somatic education, Heifetz illuminates how our developmental needs, culture, and tribal affiliations shape our emotional responses. Her emphasis on fairness over punitive justice aligns with Restorative Justice principles, inviting inquiry through the question: “What can be done to feel fairly treated?” This focus on fairness elicits deeper, more feelingful inquiries and reveals choices that support repair with the intent on rebuilding relationships and communities. Over many years, Heifetz has worked at the nexus of inner and outer peace. In this webinar, she will offer compassionate approaches to conflict resolution, providing practical tools for balancing emotionally charged needs during challenging times.   ABOUT DEBORAH: Deborah Heifetz (she/her) is a social anthropologist, mediator, and professional facilitator with over 30 years of experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and somatic education. She developed the systems-based model – the Human Needs Map, a circular matrix representing the interconnections between human needs at different levels of scale and reflecting the synergies and tensions between needs. Her model has been considered a breakthrough framework by founders of Human Needs Theory for its non-hierarchical approach to human needs and for the way human needs and emotions are tied to human development. A co-founder of BraveHearts International, she has worked globally in mediation, sustainability, and leadership training, integrating movement-based and somatic practices like Laban Movement Analysis and Somatic Experiencing with her knowledge and sensitivity for culture and community building. A Chevening Scholar, she recently published The Map to Compassion in MIT’s Journal for Awareness-Based Systems Change.  Heifetz works at the nexus of inner and outer peace. Website: https://heifetzmatrix.com/     HOSTED BY: Founder & Executive Producer Molly Rowan Leach (she/her), and Social Media and Marketing Manager Logan Ward (he/him).   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.

Author (Being Restorative, April 2024) and restorative practitioner Leaf Seligman invites us to the tenderness of humility, listening, and towards the values and principles that unite us as a humanity, as we face intense and urgent polarization and violence in our world. Our host Jabali Stewart of Huayruro, himself a martial artist of nonviolence and unification, weaves us in conversation to implore deepening inquiry into what this thing we call ‘restorative’ really is, how it makes its way into the world, and how it ameliorates connection and context.  Tenderness is often considered weak or scary, and yet it is itself a revolutionary act. Leaf’s work within prisons and communities, as well as her personal experiences as a partially sight-impaired person, illuminate the “lens” and approach to this work that grounds individuals much beyond the field of restorative justice, in times of great upheaval and disconnection. Tenderness is a powerful bridge that acknowledges the other, that asks also of accountability of self first, and of others, yet from an understanding of our global interrelationship as a baseline for life, and life well lived. And alongside her perspective, we keep in mind the indigenous of our world who came long before this movement, knowing we are related to all life, humans and animals, trees, waters, skies, and cosmos. With this there is honor in having responsibility to all. This awareness is welcomed throughout our dialogue. Oftentimes it is easy to misunderstand restorative as only relating to conflict and the modern justice systems in our world, yet it is a much larger scope of practices that center our common humanity and ask us to hear from one another in ways that build or rebuild, reshaping trust and meaning, offering powerful and sustaining agency for change on every level imagined.   ABOUT Leaf Seligman Leaf Seligman is the author of Being Restorative which was published in April 2024 and is available from the publisher, Bauhan Publishing, and online retailers. Leaf considers herself a daughter of the trees, grateful to live in Maple Nation and be close enough to spend time among beloved copper beeches. She has taught in colleges, prisons, and community settings since 1985. As a restorative practitioner, Leaf draws on her experience as a jail chaplain, prisoner educator, congregational minister, college instructor, and human being. She facilitates peacekeeping circles, immersive learning experiences, and restorative processes of accountability, healing, and transformation. Leaf delights in bringing tenderness everywhere. Her previous books include Opening the Window: Sabbath Meditations, A Pocket Book of Prompts, and From the Midway: Unfolding Stories of Redemption and Belonging. She lives in New Hampshire.   Jabali Stewart Jabali is an organizational consultant, a leadership coach, a public speaker, a youth worker, and a circle keeper. He has kept Peacemaking Circles in schools (K through College), businesses, families, government, and community settings. He has trained in and practices the lineage of Circle Keeping connected to Mark Wedge, Kay Pranis, Barry Stuart and Tahnaga Myers for over a decade. Besides Circle, he also practices other Art of Hosting and Participatory Leadership modalities. Jabali is a former independent school administrator, a public speaker, and has also cultivated a practice of one-on-one counsel. He enjoys collaborative problem-solving, and his work is deeply informed by his belief and practice of sensible, love-based leadership. Find Jabali on Linkedin   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. >>>We need your help! Support 15 Years of Global Independent Restorative Media Efforts Now Now, find all of our social media links in one place! RJ on The Rise LinkTree (If link broken, copy here) —>   https://linktr.ee/rjontherise?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4cbfc2f8-fdf0-49a0-bd23-c63cbdf4bc0

This episode features Dr. Tema Okun who gives us a brief rundown of the characteristics of White Supremacy Culture, which can be understood in-depth on her website: www.whitesupremacyculture.info Dr. Tema Okun offers her knowledge of relationships that people may have with White Supremacy Culture as well as suggestions to dismantle this broken system. We welcome listeners to step outside of thinking that these systems are working for us in any shape or form.  The live webinar was recorded on January 23rd, 2025 and it is hosted by Molly Rowan Leach, founder of RJotR, and Logan Ward, Restorative Justice on the Rise’s new Social Media Manager.  Logan then relates a statement from the website to his recently released documentary, Remarkable, Voices from the Trans Community, which covers the similar topic of objectivity’s irrelevance when in dialogue with oppressed (marked) and non-oppressed (unmarked) groups.  Logan’s film can be found on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PpjhMnVsFk And the subsequent discussion space can both be found on his website: https://www.loganward.net/film   Key notes from this episode: Dr. Tema Okun recommends that if we are going to engage in restorative justice work we need a: Shared framework of how oppression works (to help us understand how liberation works) Shared language — Same definitions for phrases such as “White Supremacy” Shared history — Same understanding of how we got here The instructions from Tema’s mother are: Be love and be loved Pay attention Don't be afraid Find the others   ABOUT Tema Okun Dr. Okun has spent over 40 years working with and for organizations, schools, and community-based institutions as an educator, facilitator, and coach focused on issues of racial justice and equity. She currently facilitates, consults, mentors, and offers talks for and with leaders and organizations locally and nationwide. She is the author of the award-winning The Emperor Has No Clothes: Teaching About Race and Racism to People Who Don’t Want to Know (2010, IAP) and the widely used article White Supremacy Culture. She has published a revised version of this article on an extended and expanded website at www.whitesupremacyculture.info. Tema is a fierce Jewish advocate for Palestine solidarity as a member of the Triangle Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace. She is on the board of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and belongs to the Bhumisphara Sangha under the leadership of Lama Rod Owens. She is a graduate of the Spiritual Guidance Training Institute. She is an artist, a poet, and a writer. She lives in Durham NC where she is fortunate to reside among beloved community. Her current project is deepening her ability to love her neighbor as herself. She is finding the instruction easy and the follow through challenging, given how we live in a culture that is afraid to help us do either or both. Reach her on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tema-okun-0a14311a1    Logan Ward Logan Ward (he/him) is an illustrator, writer, and filmmaker who values dialogue, challenging societal norms, and mutual respect. He graduated with a master’s in Media Design in August 2024, where he studied community-centered and participatory approaches to research and design. Reach him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-ward-860620218/  Check out his illustrations on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l.ward.draws/ And also on his website: 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. >>>We need your help! Support 15 Years of Global Independent Restorative Media Efforts Now Now, find all of our social media links in one place! RJ on The Rise LinkTree (If link broken, copy here) —>   https://linktr.ee/rjontherise?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4cbfc2f8-fdf0-49a0-bd23-c63cbdf4bc0

**Disclaimer** Audio was recorded with limited resources, please listen with good headphones to properly hear the valuable information in this episode. recorded at Expanding Restorative Justice in Oregon in 2021.  In 2021, the Criminal Justice Commission created rules regarding the administration of the Restorative Justice Grant Program. Those rules require applicants to propose community based restorative justice programs that serve as alternatives to prosecution. This requirement is in alignment with best practices from across the country that speak to the importance of community held restorative justice programs. This panel discussion will explore the importance of keeping restorative justice programs based in community and separate from the criminal legal process. Panelists will provide background on their experiences with community based restorative justice programs and will speak to the critical differences between the restorative and punitive approaches to harm.     ABOUT PANELISTS: Shaylie Pickrell (She/they) Restorative Justice Facilitator, Office Manager, Equity-Informed Mediator and Co-Founder of Restorative Roots Project [email protected]   Danielle DeCant Deputy District Attorney in Hood River County Member of Circles of Peace Advisory Team in the Columbia River Gorge [email protected]   Debra Pennington-Davis Circles of Peace Program/Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center Restorative Justice Coordinator [email protected]   Laura Diamond (She/her) Conflict Artistry LLC Co-owner, Coordinator, Facilitator [email protected]   Emily B. Naylor Emerging Adult Program / Community Solutions of Central Oregon Restorative Justice Specialist & Lead Facilitator [email protected]     In Partnership with: Restorative Justice Coalition of Oregon RJCO is a coalition of Oregon restorative justice practitioners and programs. We promote and support the implementation and practice of restorative justice principles and models in Oregon’s justice, law enforcement, educational and other community institutions. http://rjoregon.org      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! >>>We need your help! Support 15 Years of Global Independent Restorative Media Efforts Now

with Shaylie Pickrell Director of Operations & Infrastructure, RJ Facilitator - Restorative Roots Project (PDX, OR, USA) In this 1:15h episode, we drop deeply into the concept that our greatest losses might just be our greatest powers to serve our communities, and our world. We explore key topics such as: The Power of Vulnerability Restorative Justice and Community Referrals The Power of Our Stories Arts and Restorative Justice Insights From A Former Corrections Officer ABOUT SHAYLIE: Shaylie Pickrell (She/They) has a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology from Western Oregon University (WOU). While at school, Shaylie worked for the Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention grant with the Research Institute at WOU. Additionally, she was a Victim's Advocate at the Marion County District Attorney's office. After graduation, Shaylie went on to work for Hope Partnership/Janus Youth Programs at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. She is a Certified Equity-Informed Mediator in the state of Oregon. She is now a Restorative Justice Facilitator for Restorative Roots Project which she helped turn into its own non-profit. She has a passion for art and hopes to incorporate that talent into the Restorative Justice process. Shaylie also cares deeply about helping to give voice to youth and others impacted by the carceral system. [email protected]   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! >>>We need your help! Support 15 Years of Global Independent Restorative Media Efforts Now  

Prosecute, or Restore? With Tristen Edwards, Public Defender, Coalition Builder (OR, USA) and Restorative Justice Advocate For anyone questioning the viability of restorative justice as an alternative to violent crime prosecution, here's your evidence. Join us for a conversation that is inspiring and informative. ABOUT TRISTEN: Tristen Edwards is an attorney at Metropolitan Public Defender, where she represents individuals charged with major felony crimes and works on policy issues related to promoting the use of restorative justice as an alternative to prosecution. Tristen is a Coordinating Committee Member of the Restorative Justice Coalition of Oregon and leads the coalition’s legislative advocacy efforts. She also serves on Governor Kotek’s Racial Justice Council’s Criminal Justice Reform Committee and chairs the Council’s Subcommittee on the Department of Corrections, which focuses on supporting restorative justice efforts led by incarcerated men. Tristen holds a strong commitment to diversity and is the founder and chair of the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Tristen has been recognized for her work amplifying the voices of marginalized people and promoting effective and compassionate responses to harm by the Oregon New Lawyers Division, the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, and Oregon Women Lawyers.   ABOUT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ON THE RISE The world's first restorative justice podcast and public lives platform, since 2011 www.restorativejusticeontherise.org RJ on The Rise LinkTree: Follow, Subscribe, and Engage in one place! >>>We need your help! Support 15 Years of Global Independent Restorative Media Efforts Now  

Becoming A Trauma-Informed Educator with Joe Brummer and Marg Thorsborne Featured Educator's Podcast packed with over 40 key points in less than one hour, with two of the world's most beloved authors, trainers, and guides in "RJE": Restorative Justice in Education. Joe and Marg hit the ground running in their typical fun, informative style that has won the hearts and minds of thousands worldwide, sharing potent insights as they discuss the birth of their new book, and the reasons for its existence. Tune in to hear all about the following key points and more: Behavior development not behavior management The role of the brain Allostasis Brain as predictor not as responder Sensory input and past experiences as self-perpetuating Fight flight freeze faint are preparations Responding, not reacting, to trauma Unlearning our socialization of punishment “PBIS”: what’s wrong with it, where it came from (Levoss) Managing each other’s body-budget Connection-orientation as driver Co-Regulating or Co-Escalating Code Switching and adaptation to environment The myth of lowered expectations when RJE is introduced Neural pathways and brain re-structuring Transactional or Transformational If you are in the problem, you should be included in the decision making Restorative starts with us Ako, the teacher is also the student (New Zealand word) Prevention-focused instead of trained as conflict/behavior system Cues of relationship Cues of safety Relationship block - 20 m comm building circles Shame’s role ...and much more   Becoming a Trauma-informed Restorative Educator  – June 21, 2024 by Joe Brummer (Author), Margaret Thorsborne (Author) ABOUT THE BOOK: Maybe you have heard the terms 'trauma-informed' and 'restorative' - but how do you go about becoming a trauma-informed, restorative educator? This practical book outlines the values, ideas and neuroscience behind trauma-informed restorative practice and its proven effectiveness. It clearly explains key theories relating to shame, trauma and your autonomic nervous system, and explains how to apply this knowledge in practice. Examples and stories of restorative practice feature throughout to inspire and emulate, as do practical protocols, tools and systems to develop your skills as a trauma-informed educator. Critically, it also explains the personal and professional qualities you need to nurture to truly engage in trauma-informed, restorative practice, with reflection points to aid learning and self-development. Read this book and take your first steps to creating a trauma-informed, restorative classroom - even if your school isn't doing it!   ABOUT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ON THE RISE The world's first restorative justice podcast and public lives platform, since 2011 www.restorativejusticeontherise.org Connect with Us on Facebook The Redemption Project Discussion Series in alliance with Van Jones & REFORM/CNN Latest Enewsletter   Breaking: RJ on The Rise Selected from Global Applicant Pool to Attend Multi-Year Academy on Media's Role in Belonging. READ MORE Support our 13 Years of Global Independent Restorative Media Efforts Now Additional Links of Interest: Apple Podcast since 2011: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restorative-justice-on-the-rise/id918262205 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7x7tE5xX9bYBAgRgpolKn9 Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs-VP0RojAaTCT6jdMZyvqg RJOTR hosts CNN's Redemption Project Dialogue Series: http://www.restorativejusticeontherise.org/discussion-series EFRJ Presentation Recording/Resources: https://padlet.com/rjonrise/efrj-pamplona-restorative-justice-in-colorado-y0wjclo6uxwzyq3d Heart-Brain Coherence & Restorative Justice: https://padlet.com/rjonrise/heart-brain-coherence-and-restorative-justice-gu4xobpg7bm4okry

Shifting Narratives: Building Trust and Visibility for The Trans Community with Documentarian (REMARKABLE, 2024) Logan Ward, Hami Samba, and the Restorative Rainbow Alliance's Ames Stenson and Rami El-Gharib This feature panel discussion is in collaboration with the Restorative Rainbow Alliance, Restorative Justice on The Rise, and Director and Producer Logan Ward to uplift the incredible film: Remarkable: Voices From The Trans Community. {Watch Now} In this conversation we get to hear from trans man and creator of the film, Logan Ward, as well as a major voice in the film, Hami Samba, who both share about the comfort they found in being able to tell their own narratives. Logan's film illustrates distrust towards the trans community and proposes that community-centered and participatory practices could assist in rebuilding that trust. All of these ideas are discussed, and the RRA's restorative justice and queer lens helps us consider these ideas within context. In addition, we want to highlight the RRA's code of conduct, and their overall efforts, within the restorative justice field. Please let us know if you'd like to contact any/all of our panelists for possible engagement in your community! To contact Logan Ward directly, click here Length: 1:12 REMARKABLE on Insta: www.instagram.com/remarkablefilm Restorative Rainbow Alliance: https://www.restorativerainbowalliance.org *** Restorative Justice on The Rise is the very first live and standard podcast since 2011 focusing on Restorative Justice and Peacebuilding, from the personal to collective, demonstrating powerful stories, cases, and insights from a robust range of diverse voices, and reaching every continent in our world. We can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and our collaboration for this podcast episode is a result of our Fellowship status with the Salzburg Global Media Academy, a program forging critical pathways forward in the age of AI. Support our 13 Years of Global Independent Restorative Media Efforts Now Apple Podcast since 2011: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restorative-justice-on-the-rise/id918262205 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7x7tE5xX9bYBAgRgpolKn9 Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs-VP0RojAaTCT6jdMZyvqg RJOTR hosts CNN's Redemption Project Dialogue Series: http://www.restorativejusticeontherise.org/discussion-series EFRJ Presentation Recording/Resources: https://padlet.com/rjonrise/efrj-pamplona-restorative-justice-in-colorado-y0wjclo6uxwzyq3d Heart-Brain Coherence & Restorative Justice: https://padlet.com/rjonrise/heart-brain-coherence-and-restorative-justice-gu4xobpg7bm4okry

Dr. Paul Mihailidis on The Role Media Plays in Social Justice, Belonging, and Transformation Paul Mihailidis is a professor of civic media and journalism and assistant dean in the school of communication at Emerson College in Boston, MA, where he teaches media literacy, civic media, and community activism. He is founding program director of the MA in Media Design, Senior Fellow of the Emerson Engagement Lab, and faculty chair and director of the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change. His work has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Scientific American, Slate Magazine, the Nieman Foundation, USA Today, Newsweek, CNN, and others. Mihailidis holds a visiting professorship at Bournemouth University in England and the Catholic University of Argentina, Buenos Aires. Paul is also the Co-Editor of Transformative Media Pedagogies (Routledge, 2022).  We jump right into the purpose of the 17 Year Media Academy Efforts, the irrevocable connection between media and social justice, "Radiant mojo" and the powerful impact of the life of Moses Shumow, and much more.  Listen in to discover Paul's insights into how media may just be the most impactful part of changing global narratives, systems, and individual lives. Host: Molly Rowan Leach Length: 44m Salzburg Global Seminar Website: www.salzburgglobal.org Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change: https://www.salzburgglobal.org/multi-year-series/media-academy *** Restorative Justice on The Rise is the very first live and standard podcast since 2011 focusing on Restorative Justice and Peacebuilding, from the personal to collective, demonstrating powerful stories, cases, and insights from a robust range of diverse voices, and reaching every continent in our world. We can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and our collaboration for this podcast episode is a result of our Fellowship status with the Salzburg Global Media Academy, a program forging critical pathways forward in the age of AI.    Breaking: RJ on The Rise Selected from Global Applicant Pool to Attend Multi-Year Academy on Media's Role in Belonging. READ MORE Support our 13 Years of Global Independent Restorative Media Efforts Now Additional Links of Interest: Apple Podcast since 2011: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restorative-justice-on-the-rise/id918262205 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7x7tE5xX9bYBAgRgpolKn9 Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs-VP0RojAaTCT6jdMZyvqg RJOTR hosts CNN's Redemption Project Dialogue Series: http://www.restorativejusticeontherise.org/discussion-series EFRJ Presentation Recording/Resources: https://padlet.com/rjonrise/efrj-pamplona-restorative-justice-in-colorado-y0wjclo6uxwzyq3d Heart-Brain Coherence & Restorative Justice: https://padlet.com/rjonrise/heart-brain-coherence-and-restorative-justice-gu4xobpg7bm4okry

Art As Intervention: A Conversation with Pablo Martínez-Zárate In this deeply powerful 45m conversation he dives into: The importance of art as intervention instead of representation The confines of plot in film The invitation of spaciousness in film Questions that arise when expressing oneself How to belong in a digital age Artist and Professor, IberoDocsLab, Mexico Pablo Martínez-Zárate is a media artist, documentary filmmaker and scholar living and working in Mexico City. His work explores the interconnection between memory, body and territory through experimental media practice. In 2022-23 he is Artist in Residence at The Netherlands Film Academy, part of Amsterdam University of the Arts. He is considered one of the pioneers and foremost exponents of web and interactive documentary in Mexico and Latin America. His films, interactive projects and installations have shown in important museums in Mexico and festivals such as DocsMX and Ambulante in Mexico City, MIDBO in Bogota, or IDFA in Amsterdam. He is Professor at Universidad Iberoamericana Mexico City, where he founded IberoDocsLab.org, a platform for critical innovation in documentary practice. He has published several non-fiction books that seek to reflect on the power of art in a world in crisis, as well as artist publications. Co-Hosted by Molly Rowan Leach and Liz Nass Salzburg Global Seminar

The Intersections of Restorative and Transitional Justice with Camilo Eduardo Umaña Hernández - Deputy Minister of Criminal Policy and Restorative Justice for the Ministry of Justice and Law, Colombia [Website] Camilo was a plenary keynote presenter at the European Forum for Restorative Justice's 12th International Conference in late May, 2024, in Tallinn, Estonia. His presentation made key links between restorative and transitional justice on the ground in Colombia, and how his work as a practitioner and government official alike has spurred much-awaited efforts to provide RJ as a viable systemic and community practice in his country. He may very well be the first high-ranking government official in the world to have "Restorative Justice" within his official title. Host Molly Rowan Leach sat down with Camilo in a park adjacent to the conference in beautiful Tallinn to discuss behind-the-scenes reflections of the panel, insights into the link between RJ and Transitional Justice at the micro- and macro-levels, and to share a little about his own experiences as a survivor of his father's murder, and the work he does to further RJ in Colombia. More Information at the Colombia Official Ministry site: https://www.minjusticia.gov.co/ministerio/Paginas/Viceministerio-de-Pol%C3%ADtica-Criminal-y-Justicia-Restaurativa1.aspx Subscribe and Tune into Restorative Justice on The Rise on Spotify or, on Apple Podcasts VISIT European Forum for RJ WEBSITE

KulturBanhof Leisnig is an International Hub for live music, education, and is housed in an historic train station that is active and being structurally restored. Listen to this exclusive interview with Co-Founders Christoph Schoenbeck and Alireza Rismanchian to hear why Music truly is a universal language of belonging, of honoring diversity, and of bringing people together! During this Podcast we: Correlate the meaning of music as a way of global connection and belonging Hear the unique, one-of-its-kind story behind the Bahnhof's inception as an International Center Contemplate the meaning of "safe spaces" and territories of authentic belonging--what makes a place feel inclusive, what are the parameters to set, and how does music set such a strong foundation for that? Learn about how Cultural jams can and do restore connections with global musicians and communities And much more Background: Leisnig station is a thriving cultural centre - a cultural station - a vibrant place for culture, exchange and encounters. There is close co-operation with the town of Leisnig, the university towns of Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz, as well as with the supra-regional cultural network and the international ethno-network. The project is recognised for its high-quality cultural events, concerts, music and dance workshops and attracts well-known lecturers from all over Europe. The cultural centre also creates a space for local cultural initiatives, youth clubs and cultural workers in the region. The station provides a framework for local businesses to offer products and services and creates jobs in the region. In addition to the cultural centre, there is a café, a restaurant, a beer garden and rooms for rent. The project is sustainably integrated into the local community and beyond and brings great added value to the Central Saxony region. It is known for its openness, respect and tolerance and epitomises a successful collaboration between local communities and an international cultural network. The Leisnig train station is an example of how cultural initiatives can shape, influence and change local conditions in a positive way, and how mutual give and take can create a positive synergy effect for the city. Music is a universal language From the very beginning, our dream was to create a place where musicians from different countries could come together to share their music. We offer high-quality cultural events as well as music and dance workshops with well-known artists and lecturers from all over the world. Through music lessons, workshops and events, we offer musicians and music enthusiasts, whether beginners or professional musicians, a platform and the opportunity to realise their potential.   For more information: VISIT BAHNHOF LEISNIG WEBSITE www.restorativejusticeontherise.org Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify

Building Restorative Cultures with Prof. Ian Marder, Triona Kenny & Katharina Kurz A Discussion based on recent research and hands-on practices in the Criminal Justice and Higher Education Sectors. Celebrating our second podcast conversation with Ian Marder (2012 & 2024) on Restorative Justice on The Rise. Dr. Ian Marder, Assistant Professor in Criminology at Maynooth University, Ireland sat down with us in Tallinn, Estonia during the European Forum for Restorative Justice 12th International Conference alongside two Ph.D Candidates who also are Research Assistants and Practitioners on this project, Triona Kenny (Criminology) and Katharina Kurz (Anthropology and Education). What you'll hear in this episode is an incredible blend of findings from hands-on RJ work within two different communities - one within a prison, and one within a community involving youth of color and police. Here are links to two of their papers, open access: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/17876/ https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/17233/ www.restorativejustice.ie  to learn more about restorative justice in the criminal justice system in Ireland RJ Strategies For Change Ireland Website

Danielle Sered: Until We Reckon, Five Years In The award-winning “radically original” (The Atlantic) restorative justice leader, whose work the Washington Post has called “totally sensible and totally revolutionary,” grapples with the problem of violent crime in the movement for prison abolition “Profoundly necessary.” —Michelle Alexander, The New York Times A Conversation with Bestselling Author and Founder of Common Justice, Danielle Sered IN THIS HOUR EPISODE, Danielle Sered, a survivor of violence herself, shares with us insights into what her hopes were in writing the globally-esteemed book Until We Reckon: Violence, Mass Incarceration and A Road To Repair (New Press, 2019) and some insights into her process five years ago that led to one of the restorative justice world's most game-changing tomes, bridging us from theories and evidence into the deeply intimate details of practices that meet the needs of survivors of violence, independent of the traditional justice systems in the US and beyond. She introduces us to four key areas that are to this day the foundation of her work with Common Justice, and reflects on what she has observed since the 2019 publication. Common Justice develops and advances solutions to violence that transform the lives of those harmed and foster racial equity without relying on incarceration. In New York City, we operate the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim-service program in the United States that focuses on violent felonies in the adult courts. Locally and nationally, we leverage the lessons from our direct service to transform the justice system through partnerships, advocacy, and elevating the experience and power of those most impacted. Rigorous and hopeful, we build practical strategies to hold people accountable for harm, break cycles of violence, and secure safety, healing, and justice for survivors and their communities. VISIT WEBSITE: Common Justice WATCH The Zoom Recording of this Live Dialogue on our YouTube Channel

#RJ & Heart Coherence with Deborah Rozman of the Institute of HeartMath Personal coherence is a critical aspect of working within any human services position, and perhaps even more critical when offering restorative justice practices of any kind. The clear intersection between facilitator coherence and the potential for optimal support and potential best outcomes is evident, and in this conversation with Deborah Rozman we cover the science behind heart-brain coherence and how it impacts not just ourselves, but those in our proximity and beyond, in ways that are now quantified. In plain words, if you are coherent, you are present, able to listen, able to stay neutrally oriented, and offer depthful facilitation. The implications are limitless in the field of social justice, and beyond.... Dr. Deborah Rozman is a psychologist, business executive, educator, author and a researcher in the psychology of consciousness. Dr. Rozman has written numerous books, including the award-winning Meditating With Children and co-authoring with Doc Childre the Transforming Series — Transforming Anger, Transforming Stress, Transforming Anxiety and Transforming Depression. She helped Doc Childre found the Institute of HeartMath and currently is president and co-CEO of Quantum Intech Inc., the HeartMath technology company that develops and manufactures emWave® coherence feedback technologies. Prior to her involvement with HeartMath she was executive vice president of a biotech company where she directed sponsored research projects with Harvard University. Dr. Rozman serves on the HeartMath Institute’s Global Coherence Initiative Steering Committee and is a key spokesperson for the HeartMath System, giving keynote addresses and media interviews on HeartMath research and applications. Visit the Institute of HeartMath Website In this hour dialogue we open with a "Quick Coherence" guided meditation, then cover the following areas: To open us up, share about your vision, passion, and entry point that landed you studying the science of the heart and with HMI What discoveries excite and inspire you the most that you think would help people better understand science-backed human capacities? Tell us a bit about your specific research over the past decades--a synopsis of some of it and what most inspires you about the findings There is a growing movement, globally, surrounding the power of intention and coherence that is beautifully demonstrated in a recent film that shows how we have the power to influence the "field" regardless of time and space--can you speak to that, and also let us know what your definition of "the field" is? How does heart brain coherence affect our ability to listen? Does heart brain coherence impact our openness to receive new information, ie, bring us out of assumptions into new levels of understanding? Many Indigenous refer to dialogue as a "field" -- can you share how this relates for you, and for your findings? As it concerns restorative justice and dialogue work, how can heart-brain coherence drastically improve the ability for a facilitator to impact the dialogic field? How does heart brain coherence directly impact trauma survivors? The intersection of personal coherence of dialogue leaders and their teams with restorative justice process is an edge area in this field, but it seems that it is an absolute no brainer that facilitators and keepers would adopt this as a regular, ongoing practice. Can you speak to how easy it is to shift, even on the fly, into coherence?  

Restorative Justice: Relational and Presence-Oriented Interview and Conversation with the amazing Jabali Stewart of Huayruro In this hour and thirty minute dialogue we look at: How we must value and truly be relational-focused with adults and the youth we work with. We must slow down and really do the work of relating, or our systems of "RJ" will be built on unstable ground. How some teachers utilize circle to teach, even subjects such as math The tier structures for schools: The Map is not at all the territory Presence and restorative work And much more... VISIT Huayruro WEBSITE

Tim Chapman: Restorative Justice and Voice-A Return to Authentic Power Tim Chapman had a lengthy career in the Probation Service in Northern Ireland rising to a senior management position. He spent 10 years as a lecturer and course director of the Masters programme in Restorative Practices at the University of Ulster. He now teaches at the University of Sassari, Italy, as a Visiting Professor and at The University of Strathclyde as a Visiting Professor. He also offers training, research and consultancy in restorative justice. He has conducted training in restorative justice theory and practices from foundation level to specialist training throughout the world. He has published widely in effective probation practice, youth justice and restorative justice. He is currently conducting research into victims’ experience of restorative justice. He has been a board member and chair of the European Forum for Restorative Justice. He continues to practice and is leading two major restorative justice programmes addressing institutional sexual abuse. In this deeply powerful 90m conversation he dives into: Dynamics within power structures specific to his research, and his work, with survivors of sexual abuse with the Catholic Church. The Power of Relationships and Relationships of Power The "Seven P's" of restorative (People, Purpose, Place, Period of time, Process design, Protocols (guidelines), Practitioner, Preparation (support) The importance of listening deeply The importance of allowing stakeholder choice around who keeps/facilitates Victim/Harmed parties elemental needs The importance of RJ and Human Dignity and how these interweave in practice The "ecosystem" of a circle Quote from podcast: "To restore one's own power within one's own life, to give meaning and reconnection, as well as autonomy and control, justice..." (referring to supporting harmed parties of sexual abuse within the church and what he has found they need) Tim is former Chair of the European Forum for Restorative Justice, and you are cordially invited to join them as they host an International Conference in Tallinn, Estonia in May 2024. For more information: VISIT EFRJ WEBSITE

A Conversation with JUDr. Petra Masopust Šachová, Ph.D. of the Czech Republic From Pamplona, Spain (June 2023) at the European Forum for Restorative Justice Symposium Petra sat down with host Molly Rowan Leach for an informal but powerful dive into the particulars of restorative justice, from a local to global perspective. She is the founder and director of the Institut pro Restorativni Justici, Prague and serves as the Secretary of the Board for EFRJ (European Forum for Restorative Justice) In this 32m discussion, we cover a wide range of territory, including her reflections on the conference, the growth of restorative justice in our world,  the principles of our work in the field, and the particulars about the program she founded, that is fast-growing in the Czech Republic (IRJ). VISIT IRJ WEBSITE SUPPORT OUR MEDIA WORK: CONTRIBUTE ANY AMOUNT TODAY

Returning To Circle A Conversation with honored guest Dina Thompson, Executive Director and Founding Member, Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition….on the simplicity …of returning, to Circle. RESTORATIVE MEDIA NEEDS YOUR LOVE! DONATE ANY AMOUNT You won’t want to miss interacting with Dina and we want to encourage questions as we always make time for interaction and dialogue. Dina’s experience implementing, collaborating cross-professionally, and supporting processes that secure a felt sense of common vision and goals based in RJ practices, that grow RJ practices, will be helpful for anyone wishing to hear insights from a deeply seasoned guide who has faced all forms of pushback and challenges, and has helped alongside and with others to build flourishing systems within communities in the Eastern US region. More importantly, Dina will help us remember to simplify and connect, and ways that have worked well for her in any arena of human services. VISIT Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition WEBSITE

Restorative Justice and Therapy Dog Teams with Global Visionary Patricia LaTaille and an introduction by Molly Rowan Leach, Host/Founder of Restorative Justice on The Rise and RJ Practitioner/Facilitator including work with Therapy Dog teams. Bringing therapy dogs together with victims and offenders of social and criminal justice to create a healing environment that frees people from their traumas. Paws 4 Peace is a book for animal lovers and peacebuilders in the world of restorative justice. Those who love dogs already appreciate the benefits of canine companionship! Taking this inherent human-animal bond to a higher level and exploring the powerful connection of therapy dogs with victims and offenders in social/criminal justice scenarios is a powerful and affirming read. Author Patty LaTaille writes: “When asked to explain how this concept of a cross-collaboration of the species in a social justice initiative evolved, my response is deceptively simple: “It just made sense.” Being an 'Animal Person', and one who regards our fellow creatures on this planet as sentient beings who connect with humans on many levels, I've always had a strong belief in the 'Power of Paws'.” Our Therapy Dog Teams are happy to share their experiences - both human and canine: “Hi, my name is Abby, and I’m a certified therapy dog. One of my favorite jobs is when I’m part of a restorative justice circle. Since dogs are very sensitive to the energy that people give off, I usually sense some fear, tension, and a lot of anxiety! But I’ve come to help these people. I’m not sure what I do exactly, but when these people see me, the energy shifts, and they are able to smile and relax, at least just a little.” Paws 4 Peace - Enhancing Restorative Practices with Therapy Dogs, provides a framework and specific guidelines on how to incorporate Therapy Dogs Teams into Restorative Justice practices. Enjoy this entertaining and educational background of the Paws 4 Peace approach; complete with cute canines & their human's pics ? - while appreciating this detailed manual for implementing similar programs in RJ organizations worldwide! You will find this book useful if you have read or plan to read other restorative justice books like: Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices, The Little Book of Restorative Justice, or The Big Book of Restorative Justice. VISIT Paws For Peace WEBSITE

An interview with Lucy Jaffe on the ground at the European Forum for Restorative Justice Conference, June 2023, on how those impacted by harm and conflict can be and are empowered by restorative justice. Why me? Transforming Lives through Restorative Justice, Director Lucy Jaffe is the Director of the UK charity Why me? Transforming Lives through Restorative Justice. She has built the organisation over the last 11 years to become an influential voice promoting restorative justice in UK and Europe. She has campaigned in Parliament, with regional governments, police, prisons and probation to ensure that anyone affected by crime can have access to restorative justice. She has had great success in supporting the people directly affected to speak to people in power, which, in turn, has led to increased budget allocation, strengthened legal provision and an increasing awareness and uptake of restorative justice in the UK. She is a member of the Advisory Board to the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Restorative Justice, contributing to the 2021 Inquiry Report and the second 2022 Inquiry. She has strong fundraising and finance skills and sees this as a priority foundation stone for a stable and successful organisation. In 2015 she established a direct national restorative justice service and strives to run Why me? on restorative principles. In the last 2 years she has been a member of the EFRJ Working Group on Violent Extremism, attending regularly and being a co-editor on the Policy and Practice Papers. VISIT WHY ME WEBSITE VISIT EFRJ 2023 Pamplona Conference & Website

ONGI ETORRI: A Conversation with Jorge Elias Ollero Peran Board Member of the European Forum for Restorative Justice and Co-Host of the 2023 EFRJ International Conference. On location for the EFRJ Conference, June 22, 2023 in Pamplona, Spain. In this 22 minute conversation with Jorge Peran, we hear the essential elements from him as to how RJ is universal, and how it is essential to speak face to face, listen deeply, and take our part in responding to harm and conflict. Jorge opened up this year's conference with a poem from his hometown in Navarre Spain, to set a tone of restoration and sharing of voice, which has potency beyond written communication. Jorge shares about Ongi Etorri, a traditional greeting originating from the Basque country in Spain, and its meaning and similarities with the core values of restorative practices. It was a true honor and pleasure to host Jorge and to be a part of this extraordinary convening. Thank you, Jorge, and EFRJ.   VISIT EFRJ WEBSITE

Restorative Justice: Insights and Stories from My Journey Interviews with and essays by Dr. Zehr?— plus, for the first time, details and photos from his personal journey. Here, Howard Zehr offers his most complete view of Restorative Justice as an approach to all of life. Zehr made his initial contribution in the area of criminal justice by pointing out that victims are sidelined in the Western justice system. He emphasized, too, that society’s laws for handling crime have often resulted in increased violence, more prisons, and unresolved human cost. In this book he: Distills his pioneering and influential work in Restorative Justice as a game-changer for the criminal justice system and conflict of all kinds. Joins his RJ work with what he’s discovered in his additional career as a professional photographer and gatherer of people’s stories. Demonstrates how RJ practices can extend to all of human interaction—through Respect, Relationships, and Responsibility, along with Humility and Wonder. Shows how RJ can change our personal lives, as well as our communities. This collection of Zehr’s seminal thinking is approachable, convincing, and inspiring. A powerful guide to sustaining our life together. VISIT WEBSITE

(in partnership with Van Jones/CNN & REFORM Alliance)

(in partnership with Van Jones/CNN & REFORM Alliance)

(in partnership with Van Jones/CNN & REFORM Alliance)

(in partnership with Van Jones/CNN & REFORM Alliance)

(in partnership with Van Jones/CNN & REFORM Alliance)

(in partnership with Van Jones/CNN & REFORM Alliance)

Guests: Panel Discussion with Edward C. Valandra, Skye Bowen, Belvie Rooks and Eric Butler

Guests: Seema Gajwani & Roman Haferd of the Office of The Attorney General, District of Columbia Website

Guests: Lindsey Pointer & Kathleen McGoey Guests Book Website

Guests: Edward C. Valandra, Wa?bli Wap?áha Hokšíla, Editor of Colorizing Restorative Justice & Edwin Keener of the Kessler-Keener Foundation Guest Websites: www.livingjusticepress.org and www.kesslerkeenerfoundation.org

A Conversation with JEFF BROWN, former attorney. Lead Host: J. Kim Wright and co-host Molly Rowan Leach. Highlight from the archives. Born in Toronto, Canada, Jeff Brown did all the things he was supposed to do to become successful in the eyes of the world. He was on the Dean’s Honor List as an undergraduate. He won the Law and Medicine prize in law school. He apprenticed with top criminal lawyer Eddie Greenspan. It had been Jeff’s lifelong dream to practice criminal law and search for the truth in the courtroom. But then, on the verge of opening a law practice, he heard a little voice inside telling him, ‘stop, just stop.’ With great difficulty, he honored this voice and began a heartfelt quest for the truth that lived within him. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, Jeff was actually questing for his innate image, the essential being that he came into this lifetime to embody. He was searching for his authentic face. As part of his journey, Jeff surrendered to his confusion and explored many possible paths. He studied Bioenergetics and did session work with co-founder Alexander Lowen. He practiced as a body-centered psychotherapist. He completed an MA in Psychology at Saybrook Graduate School in San Francisco and co-founded the Open Heart Gang, a benevolent gang with a heartfelt intention. He started his own business and became a successful entrepreneur. The most important thing Brown did, however, was the inner work. By going inside and connecting his spirituality with his emotional life, he learned essential lessons. By learning to surrender to the ‘School of Heart Knocks’ (the school of life), he found his authentic face and embraced the call to write Soulshaping. Although he resisted it at first, he soon realized that honoring the call was his best defense against sleeplessness. If he wrote, he slept. If he didn’t, he lay awake all night. This is in the nature of a calling. Brown self-published the first edition of Soulshaping in December 2007. Titled Soulshaping: Adventures in Self-Creation, the book was sold on a street level by a homeless man in Toronto and met with a tremendous response. It was picked up by North Atlantic Books soon thereafter and a beautiful new edition, distributed by Random House, entered bookstores in August 2009. Now named Soulshaping: A Journey of Self-Creation, this edition includes a new preface written by Brown that speaks to the grassroots energy that moved the book into the world so quickly, validating his own intuition about the book’s connective and heartfelt nature. After writing a series of inspirations for ABC’S ‘Good Morning America’ in early 2010, and appearing on Fox News.com and dozens of radio shows, Brown wrote the viral blog ‘Apologies to the Divine Feminine (from a warrior in transition)’ that autumn, catapulting him to a greater degree of notoriety, particularly in social media. Soon thereafter, he released his first film, Karmageddon, an award winning spiritual documentary that highlights his journey with spiritual teacher Bhagavan Das. Also featuring profound interviews with Be Here Now author Ram Dass, yogis Seane Corn and David Life, and chanters Wah, Deva Premal and Miten; Karmageddon is a courageous, self-revealing, unforgettable film about spirituality, integrity, and emotional healing. Jeff’s second book Ascending with Both Feet on the Ground was published in October, 2012. Strongly endorsed by Oprah ‘Soul Series’ Radio host Elizabeth Lesser and best-selling authors Oriah Mountain Dreamer and Katherine Woodward Thomas, Ascending is a collection of some of Jeff’s most popular spiritual graffiti–quotes, soul-bytes and aphorisms frequently shared in social media. His third book Love It Forward was published on Valentine’s Day, 2014. In this subsequent book of spiritual graffiti, Jeff includes a number of his most popular and profound love and relationship quotes. Endorsed by best-selling authors Carolyn Myss, Andrew Harvey and CNN’S Father Edward Beck, this book also includes a series of inspirations that Jeff wrote for ‘Good Morning America.’ Also in 2014, Jeff formed his own publishing house Enrealment Press (www.enrealment.com) and signed a deal with New Leaf distribution. His fourth book- a higher consciousness love story called An Uncommon Bond—was published to rave reviews in May, 2015. An audio version—published by the Grammy-award winning Blackstone Audio—soon followed. Jeff’s fifth book, a quotes book aptly named Spiritual Graffiti, came out in December, 2015. His latest book, Grounded Spirituality, was published in March, 2019.

In this mini-interview we spoke with Anthony from Brooklyn, NY, whose work as a youth facilitator in his school is expanding to training others. He shares his opinion on what restorative justice is, and what it look and feels like. Anthony also speaks to a workshop he attended during the conference called "Finding Power in Darkness". From the NACRJ conference in Oakland, CA. 2017

Honoring the roots of restoration and transformation starts with acknowledging ancestral wisdom. Jerry Tello is Co-Founder of the National Compadres Network and Director, National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute and author of the new book, Recovering Your Sacredness In this potent keynote, thanks to the NACRJ and RJOY Oakland for the conference in 2017 in Oakland, "Moving Restorative Justice from Margins to Center", Jerry calls out imperative question, who is blessing our children? Whose justice is this? And blends humor and precise, lived wisdom in this 45 minute keynote. Credits to the incredible Jerry Tello Jerry's new book is Recovering Your Sacredness   And to the NACRJ and RJOY

From the NACRJ 2015 Conference, Cornel West gives an extraordinary, poetic, rhythmic keynote. Credit: NACRJ, Production & Edits RJ on The Rise.

From Oakland, June 2017, an interview with Rangimarie Naida Glavish on perspectives and practices from New Zealand in what is now called 'restorative justice'. This interview was an honor and was deeply sacred to us. 2017 National Conference hosted by  RJOY   NACRJ Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish is a highly respected Iwi and Community Leader. Naida is currently employed as the Chief Tikanga Advisor/General Manager Maori with the He Kamaka Waiora, Maori Health, Waitemata and Auckland District Health Board.   Houhou Te Rongo 2018

"Real Time Evolution and Crisis as Birth", from 2009 In 2009, the late and extraordinary Dr. Barbara Marx Hubbard spoke at a conference we produced with an extraordinary and devoted community team in Boise, ID. Dr. Hubbard was a candidate for Vice President and an author of multiple best sellers outlining our moment in time--crisis--as a natural element of conscientious growth. This is a special, exclusive feature from our archives. In honor of the beauty of Dr. Barbara Marx Hubbard and her visionary and grounded evidence that we are in fact in the midst of an essential transformation: systemically, personally, globally.

In this keynote from 2009 in Boise, Idaho, at the Living in The Fire of Change Conference, James O'Dea recounts in extraordinary detail the power of dialogue, listening, and the imperative of restorative justice, healing justice. Originally titled "Roots and Stars", we wanted to illuminate the fullness of this hour as a prophetic message for us all during these times. Packed with humor, storytelling, citations of major mystics and philosophers alike, and anecdotes from our world's most blatantly heinous atrocities.. of which James himself almost died, we come to a place of "tea among strangers, amidst the rubble", or the humanity that resides in all of us even amidst suffering and loss. This podcast is a very special feature, and an honoring, of our dear colleague and friend James O'Dea. #restorativejustice #metowe #dialogue #heartresonance #gibran  

In 2016 Eric Luecking was the first to hear the unthinkable. His brother, Matt (pictured to the right, at left; Eric at right), was dead, murdered. The big brother that lived as an inspiration to so many was gone, just like that. Since that life-altering day in October 2016 Eric has worked to further the possibility of VOD & restorative justice program implementation and is a national speaker advocating for restorative justice as a surviving family member and brother to Matt whose life was cut way too short. Matt was an inspiration for the many lives he touched while living. After he passed in 2016, his friends and colleagues continued to spread his “Blessed For Another Day” messages through social media. In his honor, Eric created this website to focus on positivity. Eric continues to spread Matt's contagious positivity and is a speaker, writer, and advocate for forgiveness, personal healing, and avenues for restorative justice. Since his brother's murder in 2016, he has been on a journey of self-reflection and finding his place again in the world, constantly looking at new ways to approach the hardships that life can bring. By openly sharing his story, he has found a way to re-channel his love for Matt to positively influence friends, family, and anyone else who will listen. Through speaking events at churches, universities, and podcasts, he tells a powerful story about how forgiveness has given him the freedom to move forward and cut any ties that would bind him to self-defeat. Eric has collaborated with respected RJ practitioner and Michigan State University professor Derrick Franke, whose facilitation and VOD support for another family was part of the CNN Series The Redemption Project with Van Jones. Their collaborative work has included a lecture and discussion on VOD implementation steps in states in the US without that option. Eric is available to speak via web or at your community center or campus by contacting him via the website.

Panel Discussion with Subject/Cinematographer & SOROS Justice Fellow (2018) Troy Williams, Producer, Social Justice Advocate and Attorney Erin Kenway, and Former Los Angeles Public Defender and 1st Filmmaker to have access to VOEG Processes* at San Quentin, Director Katherin Hervey.  Website: www.theprisonwithin.org

Video Interview plus PODCAST/mp3 With Ram Tiwari, the Nepal Forum for Restorative Justice's Chairman, UN & OJJDP Adviser/Working Group Member & RJ Advocate in Nepal In this very special and intimate discussion with Ram Tiwari, we take a deep dive to look at the historical context of community justice in Nepal, and discuss how Ram and others have catalyzed community-owned and community-based restorative justice over the past years and are seeing it grow quickly. Some of the nuggets from our dialogue include: Anecdotal Measurement of RJ Success Nepali Peoples' resonance with RJ Local struggles and needs How to support NFRJ The 3rd Annual Conference Nov. 22-24 focusing on Gender Based Violence Ram's work internationally with the UN and with the US OJJDP Group And much more Connect with NFRJ on Facebook NFRJ Website & 3rd Annual Conference Information This Special Feature will drop at our website & iTunes podcast streams within the next few days! Ram pictured below with the USA OJJDP Restorative Justice Working Group.

A Conversation with Zach Norris, author of We Keep Us Safe, praised by Just Mercy's Bryan Stevenson with a Foreword from Van Jones. Zach is Executive Director of Ella Baker Center and Co-founder of Restore Oakland "After 20 plus years working to bring humanity and healing to our criminal legal system, I developed a framework to help understand and transform the policies and practices that perpetuate intergenerational trauma and community suffering. The premise of my book which launches FEBRUARY 4th, WE KEEP US SAFE: Building Secure, Just and Inclusive Communities is that we are safer together when we shift the conversation about public safety away from fear and punishment and toward growth and support systems for our families and communities. As we build public safety systems that recognize our connection to each other, we also give ourselves our best chance to rescue democracy. 2020 will be a pivotal point in the history of humanity and for the survival of our species. Will we come together to reject division and scapegoating and instead affirm our interdependency and humanity?  If we are to shift the direction of this country, we must present a compelling vision for how our communities can heal and thrive."

Mini-interview from the NACRJ (National Association of Community and Restorative Justice) conference in Denver USA (June 2019). In this special short, SaulPaul tells us about his experiences as a formerly incarcerated young black man and how it shaped his extraordinary work and music. SaulPaul was a keynote performance featured at this year's (2019) NACRJ conference in Denver, CO and his performances and various works have been featured in major venues and media, inspiring and opening the minds of millions. More about SaulPaul at www.SaulPaul.com https://nacrjdenver2019.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/SaulPaul.mp3