Week five at the Ripple Community Inc. (RCI), Restorative Practices (RP) Community Training - New participants continue to join the group. There is a core group of 4-5, as well as participants whom we see occasionally (maybe they have come to 2-3 gatherings). Last week we introduced the formal restorative circle, and the group watched the “Burning Bridges” video. Today we stayed together as a large group of about 20 people in the circle and reviewed the restorative questions for both the victim and the offender.
A group role-play was held, everyone in the group was an assigned a role in the chosen scenario of harm. This formal RP circle was well received. Participants quickly entered into the interaction, creatively approached their roles and interacted with the restorative questions. This exercise resulted in comments such as, “This could change the way people get along in my house,” “The court system does not work like this and allow for the victims to have their say,” and, “I wish I had been able to have a circle after my son’s murder.” It was clear that people had taken the circle seriously and, even after “disrobing” from our roles, some people kept wanting to go deeper into the process of reconnecting with the possible “ways to make things right.”
It seems difficult for people to talk about the RP process in theory. The group discussion focus is more on the particular topic and their experience with harm than on the ways to address harm in a restorative way. The leaders continue to discuss the possibilities for more opportunities to experience RP rather than just learn about RP. Some of the discussion around last week’s blog post centered on this topic: “Is there a more effective way to train people who do not have extensive academic background?” Is a more engaging method of introducing RP simply to offer as many opportunities to engage in compassionate witnessing, fair process, informal/formal circles and active listening opportunities?
The fellowship time continues to be a place where leadership skills are shown, grace and dignity abound, and relationships are built. Our food spread this week was varied and abundant, as the snack leader shared her experience of putting the snack together. Coupons, food banks, kitchen cabinets and local stores were searched for a variety of items to make a bountiful spread. Even the walking journey to get the food to our meeting hall was not easy without a personal car. A few condiments were forgotten at home ,but all was appreciated and enjoyed by the group. A sense of being able to provide for others and coordinate in the planning brings a restorative aspect or space. So often in the city, the scenario is replayed where people are done “for” or “to,” rather than the opportunity to share and be “with” as a co-member, valued citizen or even leader in the community.
How did you experience the snack and fellowship time? Was this time meaningful and should we continue with having that as part of RP functions?
One of the concerns expressed by some of the leaders is the time requirements needed to hold, gather and prepare the number of participants to hold a formal restorative circle. How would RCI gain or gather the resources to be able to facilitate formal conferences?
What training or practice do you feel you still need in order to hold a restorative conference?
As we approach the final week, are there any topics that stand out to you or that you wish we could discuss in this forum?