For our Circle Training Part 2, we continued our discussion about Restorative Justice and what it looks like to us. Understanding and finding ways to tend to conflict and our relationships. This is important because it is a way to find an understanding on both sides, a way both can heal. We engaged in an activity with sticky notes by writing down times we have felt hurt, but also considering times when we ourselves caused hurt.
Over the last two weeks, the team and community members were invited to restorative justice training. Specifically, Andrew Hong of We Each Belong, trained the team in how to lead healing circles, which is a native practice built on restorative justice. Over 4 days, the team got to know each other on a deeper level, creating a circle, and then started to dream what their own independent circles would look like in the future.
We see how impactful circles can be for our community members. This practice was built on the idea that healing can be achieved through conversation, but most importantly, listening. We can’t wait to see how circle will grow in the Proviso community!
Thank you, Andrew, for creating a safe environment for the team! We appreciate your wisdom and kindness.
