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Restorative Justice is often framed as an alternative to punishment in criminal legal and education settings, and but that’s only part of the story. Join host David Ryan Barcega Castro-Harris to learn how to apply Restorative Justice philosophy, practices, and values in your everyday life.
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1Send us a text In this episode, learn about restorative "jazz"-tice with David Yusem and how to include care within your classroom. Support David's work at Oakland Unified School District: https://www.ousd.org/Page/12387 Rep Amplify RJ Merch Connect with us on: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and TikTok! SUPPORT by sharing this podcast and leaving a rating or review
Send us a text Before our FULL conversation with Juaquin Mobley airs tomorrow enjoy this exclusive clip of him sharing how he takes restorative approaches to negotiation. Juaquin Mobley is the Vice President of Community Works and co-owner of Community Ties and The Community Barber Shop based out of Colorado Springs. Juaquin helps those individuals who were recently incarcerated and/or at risk at becoming incarcerated to realize their true potential and manifest their limitless potential. Ju...
Send us a text Deb Witzel, M.A., is the host of The RJ Chronicles Podcast, a collection of stories from people who have participated in restorative justice processes and how those processes affected their lives. As the founder of 3 Stories Consulting, Deb shares her nearly 20 years of RJP experience supporting people and organizations in utilizing restorative approaches to move through conflict and be more connected. Currently, she provides Restorative Justice mentorship, consulting, f...
Send us a text Kathy was the Independent Juvenile Ombudsman for the Department of Juvenile Justice from August 2015 until July 2021. Retired from jobs but not work, Kathy is working with Just Peace, a community restorative justice initiative. Just Peace seeks to spark and broaden Restorative Justice knowledge and experiences throughout Chicago neighborhoods. Support Kathy and learn about the Just Peace Initiative by reaching out at: aliemah@pbmr.org Rep Amplify RJ Merch Connect with us...
Send us a text Veronica Agard (she/her) is a writer, educator and connector at the intersections of Black identity, wellness, representation, and culture. She experiments with creative healing modalities and puts theories learned into practice. She curated the Who Heals the Healer series and the conference of the same name and facilitates the Ancestors in Training educational project. Her initiatives are housed in her freelance platform, Vera Icon LLC. Support Veronica: http://www.veronicaaga...
Send us a text Join us for the first live taping of This Restorative Justice Life, featuring ideas and discussions from the 2022 NACRJ Conference. Support Ashley Ellis: Ashley Shinice Ellis is the co-founder of "The B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Collective" a is a collective of black and brown womyn and girls committed to developing sacred connections and curating sacred space that allow us to Balance, Restore, Empower, Affirm, Transform, Heal, & Embody. Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebreath...
Send us a text Joe has been the victim of two separate violent anti-gay hate crimes and what began as a personal healing response to the trauma, he has transformed into professional involvement in the field of community and restorative justice. Since 2010, Joe has actively helped schools implement peer mediation programs and school-wide restorative practices. As a private consultant beginning in 2015, Joe has designed a trauma-informed approach of restorative practices and infused this model ...
Send us a text Jill Strauss, PhD, teaches Conflict Resolution and Communications in the Speech, Communications and Theater Arts Department at Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY). Her research involves Restorative Practices and the visual interpretation of narrative and difficult histories. Jill is co-editor of Slavery’s Descendants: Shared Legacies of Race and Reconciliation (Rutgers University Press 2019) along with other articles and book chapters. Support Jill: Read Listening to...
Send us a text Daniel is director of the undergraduate Social Work program at UNC-Greensboro. He received his PhD in Educational Leadership with a graduate certificate in Women and Gender Studies from the UNC-Greensboro in 2008. In the Pedagogy of Cirlces, Daniel breaks down tangible ways to bring RJ circles into teaching social work and more! Rep Amplify RJ Merch Connect with us on: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and TikTok! SUPPORT by sharing this pod...
Send us a text Dr. Carl Stauffer is a senior expert on reconciliation for the U.S. Institute of Peace with 30 years of experience in 37 countries as both a practitioner and academic. His previous work has included directing the Zehr Institute of Restorative Justice at the Center for Justice & Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University and serving 16 years in South Africa as program director of the Africa Peacebuilding Institute and education and training coordinator for the Letsema Con...
Send us a text Ted Lewis is a Restorative Justice trainer and consultant with the Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking at the University of Minnesota. Contact, Learn More, Support Ted! Website: Restorativechurch.org Projects: Support the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking Fund at University of Minnesota Duluth Get your copy of “Listening to the Movement” https://wipfandstock.com/9781532647413/listening-to-the-movement/ Rep Amplify RJ Merch Connect with us on...
Send us a text Mia Mingus is a writer, educator and trainer for transformative justice and disability justice. She is a queer disabled Korean transracial and transnational adoptee raised in the Caribbean. She works for community, interdependence and home for all of us, not just some of us, and longs for a world where disabled children can live free of violence, with dignity and love. You will meet Mia (0:55). Mia defines transformative justice in her work (15:10) and discusses the difficulty...
Send us a text Elena’s work includes creating programs, research, and events that promote socially just solutions to public safety problems. She partners with community members and agencies, law enforcement, detention facility staff and inmates, as well as universities and government in an effort to implement socially just policies and practices that are beneficial to all. You will meet Elena (0:55), learn about the science of restorative justice (14:12), and hear about the importance ...
Send us a text Marlon J. Chamberlain is an advocate for people directly impacted by the justice system. Marlon brings over 20 years of lived and professional experience to his work at Heart Alliance. Marlon has an established track record of creating effective coalitions. Previously, he served as the Englewood Project Manager with the READI Chicago Program at Heartland Alliance. Prior to that, he was a Community Organizer with the FORCE (Fighting to Overcome Records and Create Equality) Initi...
Send us a text Joel Friesz was introduced to the field of restorative justice in 2005 and felt an immediate connection. His introduction was by way of his role as a part-time restorative conferencing facilitator serving victims of crime and youth involved in the juvenile justice system. He currently serves as the Executive Director of NACRJ. In this episode, Joel shares his ideas for creating a more peaceful and accepting world. Rep Amplify RJ Merch Connect with us on: Instagram, Linked...
Send us a text Vanessa McNorton grew up and continues to live on the south side of Chicago in the Historic Bronzeville community. Vanessa is deeply committed to working with the community, intergenerationally, to be in the right relationship wherever and whenever called. You will meet Vanessa (6:31), hear some anecdotes about her time in schools (15:21), and her experiences with circle processes that span intergenerational lines (32:34). Finally, she answers the closing questions. Make ...
Send us a text Jennifer Viets (she/her/hers) is a Restorative Justice practitioner both in community and in Chicago Public Schools. With an emphasis on using the arts to “reach, teach, and heal,” she has worked as a multi-disciplinary teaching artist and arts administrator for children and families for the past 30 years. You will meet Jenny (0:55), hear about her connections to the arts (3:43). She shares restorative strategies to invite people in (19:03) and to look past a certificate. She s...
Send us a text Originally from the Bay Area, Trisa Edmonson is an educator, artist, advocate, and change maker. Her background is largely focused on young adults with carceral involvement. You will meet Trisa (0:55), hear about her life's work in education and justice (13:20), the importance of meeting people where they're at (20:40), exploring the impact and conflict among young people (35:20). Finally, she answers the closing questions (1:04:01). Make sure to subscribe, rate, r...
Send us a text Dorothy is an artist, quilter, activist, and restorative justice practitioner based in Chicago. Among many other things, Dorothy received a 2017 Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Artist as Activist fellowship and is an Envisioning Justice Commissioned Artist. You will meet Dorothy (0:55), hear about how she got started in this work (5:00) in public service to her roles in teaching (20:45). She then talks about policing (26:28), her portfolio (45:05) and reparations (50:01). Finall...
Send us a text Valerie Luna Serrels is a weaver and synthesizer, a mother and mystic. She is also an author of the chapter Radical Relationalism: Restorative Justice with the Earth. She weaves together her background in conflict transformation and restorative justice with Celtic spirituality This episode comes just in time to honor Earth day. Valerie discusses the connections to restorative justice from birth and the importance of zooming out to see where we fit in the grander scheme of our e...
Send us a text Before we FULLY jump back into new episodes, we're sharing this community conversation with Alisha Maynoush Mernick (PLUS a special guest)! How does your classroom culture inadvertently reflect and reinforce the values and practices of White Supremacy Culture? How can you disrupt these systems through your practices? As an artist, educator, activist, organizer, mom, Persian Sufi, Alisha has built on the work of Tema Okun & others, to create a NEW reflection tool for e...
Send us a text While David's on a paternity break we're re-running one of our favorite episodes! Derek Brown is a lifelong North Lawndale Resident who among so many other things is an ex-offender trying to prevent the next offender. He and his family run a Restorative Justice infused Boxing program and he’s connected with so many other community initiatives. Support Derek’s work: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boxingoutnegativity/ Website: https://boxingoutnegativity.org/ Documentary:...
Send us a text “Stas” Schmiedt (they/them) and Lea Roth founded Spring Up in 2013. Spring Up works to cultivate a culture of consent and liberty for all through storytelling and popular education. You will meet Stas and Lea (0:55), hear about their introductions to restorative vs. transformative justice (7:57). They have a conversation about sexual assault (21:02) and the shortcomings of school accountability. Finally, they discuss what harm and healing mean (36:00), the implications o...
Send us a text Eloise Sepeda is a child/adult survivor of family/domestic and sexual violence, gangs, drugs, homelessness, poverty, teen pregnancy & drop out. She learned the power of holistic rescue, healing, with the support of the community and faith leaders. Mrs. Sepeda and her blended family are overcoming statistics, thriving and healthy advocates for race equity and justice. Dr. Sepeda uses her professional and personal expertise to provide extensive training and ...
Send us a text Edward C Valandra, Ph.D., is Sicangu Titunwan, born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation. He received his B.A. in chemistry from Mankato State University, his M.A. in political science (public policy) from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and his Ph.D. in American Studies (Native Studies concentration) from SUNY-Buffalo. Make sure to subscribe, rate, review, and share! Support Edward: Website: https://livingjusticepress.org/ Social: www.instagram.com/livingjusticepre...
Send us a text Kat McKim is a writer who also works in operations at a network of K-12 schools in New York City. She loves working behind the scenes to put all the pieces together and make everything flow smoothly—a passion that perhaps surprisingly applies to both operations and writing. In this episode, Kat shares her experience merging restorative justice with education, handling restorative justice during the pandemic, and the importance of cultivating a sense of belonging for stude...
Send us a text Fabrice Guerrier is a Haitian-American entrepreneur, science fiction and fantasy writer, and a columnist at Haïti Observateur. He founded the sci-fi and fantasy production company for writers and creatives, Syllble (pronounced Syll-a-ble). In this episode, Fabrice shares about the importance of creativity in movements, the impact of revolutionizing, and his journey bringing restorative values into the creative field and the world. Make sure to subscribe, rate, review, and shar...
Send us a text Janice Jerome is the recipient of many awards, including the 2015 Community and Leadership Restorative Justice award from the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ), the Romae Powell award, and the Director's Award of the Juvenile Courts Association of Georgia. Ms. Jerome is the founder of The Restorative Justice Institute of Atlanta, LLC. This organization is dedicated to keeping "justice moving" by inspiring all to examine how to "say hard things in...
Send us a text Eric is recognized for his impactful restorative justice work as a restorative justice practitioner, activist, and educator. He went on to found the “Talking Peace” model of Restorative Justice, a set of practices and philosophy aimed at building relationships through shared values. You will meet Eric (2:32). Eric shares how he got started in restorative justice (4:12) and his journey finding his path. He shares some of his current initiatives (20:30) and discusses rest...
Send us a text DeMointé Wesley returns for their third appearance on these airwaves, (but FIRST as a full-time Amplify RJ team member) to talk about the upcoming workshop series "History of Black Abolitionist Politics & Action" starting this Saturday, February 5. (Listen closely for another special announcement at 1:02.) This Black History Month join the Amplify RJ community in pushing the conversation about abolition into more spaces! Carceral mindsets harm everyone, but somehow ...
Send us a text William Evans is the co-director for this Institute for Transformative Mentoring. As a restorative justice practitioner William focuses on healing, developing, and leading systems that impact individuals on a journey to rebuild community, decrease violence and incarceration. William is the founder of Neighborhood Benches, an organization increasing the presence of local neighborhood leadership to focus on youth violence and incarceration. You will meet William (0:55), and...
Send us a text Jodie Geddes is an international speaker on restorative justice, author, and advocate for racial healing and justice. Jodie is also co-author of the Little Book of Racial Healing: Coming to the Table for Truth-Telling, Liberation, and Transformation. In addition, she co-host a podcast called Maternity Leave. You will meet Jodie (0:55), hear about her finding her own path (16:50) and her experience contributing to the Little Book of Racial Healing (38:40). She shares the i...
Send us a text Sippin’ asks the question, what happens when you serve white fragility at the table? This short film presents the encounter of four women of color who gather for celebration & healing with a ritual of tea & stories. Sippin' is a project that presents the experiences of women of color, developed by stories of harm and impact. The purpose and intention of the film is to provide activation of emotion that provokes dialogue that is both reflective and critical. Supp...
Send us a text Welcome to Diversity & Inclusion: Revolution or Reform? On today’s episode, we are joined by the legendary Amber Hikes. Our conversation today with Amber is centered around her vast experience and how it has helped her in her role as Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at the American Civil Liberties Union as she navigates free speech, inclusion, and Restorative Justice. We are truly honored and want to extend a special thank you to Amber for her time, wisdom, and work in th...
Send us a text The featured episode from "The Restorative Lens Podcast" hosts LTomay Douglas and Allana Ojibway speak with Edward Valandra, Waŋbli Wapȟáha Hokšíla, who is both an author and editor for Colorizing Restorative Justice. His chapter, “Undoing the First Harm: Settlers in Restorative Justice,” gives voice to the need for settlers to recognize the ways that restorative justice too often fails to address the first harm: which is the theft and continued occupancy of Indigenous ...
Send us a text Katherine Evans has been a professor in teacher education at Eastern Mennonite University since 2011. She teaches courses in educational psychology, special education, and restorative justice in education (RJE). You will meet Kathy (1:30), hear about how she got started in this work in schools (12:48), and learn the importance of retethering to your soul (30:05). Kathy explains the need to redefine grading (36:00) and making space for silence (39:10). She shouts out some...
Send us a text Erika has studied human rights, law, criminal justice, Peace and Conflict studies, and more. She was involved in creating the Red Hook peacemaking program, and she was the director of restorative practices at the Center for Court Innovation, for over a decade she oversaw CCI’s restorative initiatives across a broad range of disciplines. You will meet Erika (1:45), hear about her experiences in the courtroom (7:40), and learn how she lives restoratively (25:24). She discus...
Send us a text Christopher Mendez has may professional experiences range considerably: naval military security, retail management, higher educational editing, writing instruction and training, international manufacturing management, middle/high school instruction (private-school setting), higher education academic affairs, refugee case management for trauma-informed minors, and program development and implementation in mediation and restorative practices. You will meet Chris (1:50), hear abo...
Send us a text Becky McCammon is a circle keeper, coach, and collaborator and former restorative practice program coordinator at Saint Paul Public Schools. She loves haiku poems, effusive text messaging, and, most especially, having been a middle and high school English teacher for 14 years. You will meet Becky McCammon (1:32) and hear about how she got started in restorative justice (6:14) and her experience in circles (12:50). She shares her experience in moments of resistance (23:33) and s...
Send us a text Nancy Riestenberg has thirty years of experience in the fields of violence prevention education, child sexual abuse prevention and restorative measures in schools. She has worked with school districts in Minnesota and 20 other states, from Cass Lake-Bena to the Chicago Public Schools, and speaks nationally on restorative measures at conferences and through trainings, and through the Minnesota Department of Education. You will meet Nancy (1:45), learn how she got started i...
Send us a text This week, we are celebrating one year of This Restorative Justice Life. David Ryan Barcega Castro Harris and Elyse Martin-Smith team up to reflect upon the past year. 6:46 Elyse's reflections 22:26 David's reflections Watch clips of the podcast: http://youtube.com/c/amplifyrj Follow us on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRAQd2VM/ Rep Amplify RJ Merch Connect with us on: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and TikTok! SUPPORT by sharing this podcast...
Send us a text Taking a break from TRJL today to share the first two episodes of my NEW podcast "Diversity & Inclusion: Revolution or Reform" learn more and subscribe at: revolutionorreform.buzzsprout.com “Safety is when the conditions are such where you can feel that you can be your authentic self.” - Kalaya’an Mendoza We are back with episode 2 of Diversity & Inclusion: Revolution or Reform? Today we are speaking with Kalaya’an Mendoza about generating safety. What does it mean to...
Send us a text Taking a break from TRJL today to share the first two episodes of my NEW podcast "Diversity & Inclusion: Revolution or Reform" learn more and subscribe at: revolutionorreform.buzzsprout.com “If you want to journey with me in this transformation work and this work of social justice, then for me, the prerequisite is your earnest desire to change” - Michelle MiJung Kim Welcome to the first episode of the podcast Diversity & Inclusion: Revolution or Reform? We are honore...
Send us a text Rami El Gharib is a Lebanese Restorative Justice practitioner, who facilitates conferences with the Colorado Justice system, institutes Restorative Practices in schools across Connecticut and California, as well as advances policies that strengthen Restorative Justice across Colorado. Additionally, he is the founder of the Restorative Rainbow Alliance, which aims to introduce a LGBTQ+ lens into the field of Restorative Justice. You will meet Rami (2:15), hear how he got s...
Send us a text Daniel Malec is Restorative Practices Director at Georgia Conflict Center (GCC) in Athens, Georgia. Daniel has a Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation from the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University. He has worked for 20+ years in the areas of youth development, youth violence prevention and intervention, conflict transformation, restorative justice and school administration. You will meet Daniel (2:15) and hear about his start in engine...
Send us a text Angola Dixon is on a mission to transform the way people communicate, build relationships, and resolve conflict. She has facilitated workshops for men, women and youth of diverse cultural backgrounds. You will meet Angola (1:52), check in with her (4:22), and understand how she got started and dealt with misunderstandings (7:28). She discusses her work in HR (20:19) and the origins of restorative practices (32:36). Finally, she answers the closing questions (48:28). Make ...
Send us a text Chauna Perry Finch is a national speaker and restorative school strategist. As a national speaker, Chauna provides engaging and informative keynote addresses that inspire and motivate educators and youth serving agencies. As a restorative school strategist, Chauna provides experiential and didactic Restorative Practices training and workshops for educators, students, parents, and community partners. Make sure to subscribe, rate, review, and share Contact, Learn More, Supp...
Send us a text As a cultural worker, Darsheel Kaur (she/they) draws upon her ancestral roots from Punjab, South Asia, spiritual roots in Sikhi, and her practice as a peacemaking circle keeper to guide us towards our innate healing and creative capacities. You will meet Darsheel (0:55), hear how she creates community in a circle (3:38), and her experience in broadening the lens of racial and restorative justice (19:43). She discusses her personal experience in this work (37:25) and creating a ...
Send us a text So excited to be sharing this collaboration with JHerte from "Let's Talk Bruh". First have of the conversation is on his feed. And join us for the second half here! Let's Talk Bruh is a podcast on Black Masculinity. We have conversations on mental health/therapy, black male privilege, vulnerability, patriarchy's impact on black women, friendship, sex and much more with a type of vulnerability rarely heard in the podcast space. Our conversations are designed to create a space w...
Send us a text Tlaloc Rodriguez is an Educator and Circle Keeper living in Chicago, Illinois. What he is most passionate about is helping adults, children, and youth make sense out of the mysterious realm of feelings so they can harness its power to enrich or mend their relationships. His professional interests include Emotional Health Education, Co-regulation Through Circle Facilitation, Mediation at Home, School, Work and Positive Youth Development. Tlaloc is… A Level 5 School-Age Children ...
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Real talk with real responses about the messiness of relationships and the importance of building relationships. Thank you for sharing, Griffen! You got lots of wisdom already and keep on learning and sharing!