FAQs

What is a Restorative Justice Circle?

A circle is formed when a group of people come together with the intention of listening to each other. The circle process can be used to build community, unfold conflict, and heal rupture.

The circle is facilitated by a Circle Keeper. The Circle Keeper asks questions that allow participants to speak from their own experience. Each person in turn can choose to answer or just listen.

Through the course of our work in various settings, we have witnessed how this circle process can foster deep connections between people. Once these connections are made, participants enter a space that allows for the expression of individual truths and emergence of collective wisdom.

What is discussed in a Circle?

We provide the structure, you provide the subject. We do not seek any particular outcome - the way ahead emerges from collective dialogue.

How do I prepare to participate in a Restorative Justice Circle?

Nothing is required besides your presence.

You can have a personal item handy to share -- maybe an item that represents what family is to you. This can be a book, a piece of jewelry, a photo (printed or on your phone), or anything that has meaning to you.

Due to COVID-19 we are conducting circles remotely, via Zoom. You will need a device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) and WiFi connection to participate. Please let us know if you need to borrow a device.

What happens in a Restorative Justice Circle?

The circle process opens with a quote or poem.

The Circle Keeper will begin the process by letting you know that you can speak when it is your turn or you can choose to pass. The facilitator will ask a question that they will answer first and invite each person in turn to speak. As the process unfolds the questions will change and the conversations will deepen. The circle is created by the community of people who come together.

Beyond that, every person’s experience of every circle is unique, just as you are. The Circle Keepers are well trained by The Restorative Center to do this work.

Is what I say in Restorative Justice Circles confidential?

No. This is not a medical, legal or other protected process. This process is a community based conversation entered voluntarily.

How many times will we meet?

We expect that the entire process of Restorative Justice Circle will require a few circles. There are no bandages for deep rifts. To have a difficult conversation --that need a voice-- we want to move forward slowly one step/one circle at a time. And when the time is right, and the participants agree that it is, the circle will expand. Only then will people be invited to a larger circle and family members and community members who have never sat in a space together will come together to listen and be heard.

Restorative Justice is a journey we will take together. In the end we get to some deeper understanding of each other, of ourselves, and the community we share together.