What is a Restorative Culture/Climate?
To create a Restorative Culture/Climate, means to intentionally develop ways of learning, living, and working together in a community that values healthy relationships, a deep sense of belonging and commitment, and clear foundations for individual and community success. The term Restorative Practice means that we make it our practice to relate to others in a manner that builds, and when necessary repairs relationships rather that tearing down, destroying or isolating. Restorative Practice is focused on building trust, sharing of core values, listening to others intentionally, and creating sustainable opportunities for repairing harm to the individual and community.
Why use Restorative Practices?
Communities around the globe are using restorative practices to proactively prevent problems like bullying and violence. Research shows that restorative approaches can transform behavior and build healthy communities. Restorative practices allow individuals who may have committed harm to take full responsibility for their behavior by addressing the individual(s) affected by the behavior. This effort of taking responsibility requires time and understanding that prevents further conflict.
Who benefits?
Everyone
- Youth and adults learn how to engage in a healthy manner, take responsibility, and listen to one another.
- Those who have an interest in community building and resolving conflict
- Offenders take responsibility and repair harm and victims share in a safe space