Restorative Justice in the community

“Restorative Justice is a way to do justice that actively includes the people impacted by crime---victims, offenders, their families and communities. Its goal is to respect and restore each as individuals, repair broken relationships and contribute to the common good.” Barb Toews, author, educator.

Achieve Higher Ground is a restorative justice service provider that provides support services for crime survivors and victim impact programs for prisoners. And support groups for victims and groups for families of offenders.

                    Vision

Communities that engage practices in the aftermath of crime that empower survivors to transform their hurt into strength and that holds offenders accountable for their choices while creating space for everyone to heal.

                    Mission

To create a safe space where people who’ve endured trauma can heal.

We’ve talked a lot about crime and violence in our community in recent weeks.

It appears to me we’ve done very little talking with each other, more, perhaps talking at each other.

I have a radical notion! Let’s try and do that. Make plans to spend time with folks who don’t look like you. Maybe don’t speak the same language. Not to be helpful or provide services, nor to seek services. Just to spend time and learn from each other.

    I hope and expect you might enjoy it. As long as we isolate ourselves in our own silos or tribes it becomes easier to consider other folk as “other” and not understand them and become apprehensive

    There are many opportunities in Tallahassee to step out of our comfort zones. We have universities and a community college. Often events are available to the public. Hang out with young people in sandwich shops near campus. Spoken word poetry has a large following coffee shops have literary nights or music. For those over 50 The Osher Lifelong Learning Center at FSU offers many opportunities to spend time with folks from varying social circles. The Tallahassee Democrat Limelight every Friday lists activities around town. Visit a church from a faith community different from yours. All of the schools have magnificent theatre departments Attend the theatre. Talk about the performance in the lobby with new friends.

I make these suggestions not only to the majority community, but also to the various racial, ethnic, spiritual and sexual minorities in town.

None of these suggestions will bring about a rapid dramatic change. It just might begin a change in perspective. Tallahassee has begun to MOVE. Transformation can happen. It begins with one step.

Restorative justice is as much a lifestyle choice as eating local, recycling, living green and moving. It is a community centered approach to justice that focuses on healing the broken relationships of which crime is a symptom.

Certainly crime must be addressed and with appropriate consequences. Mandatory minimum sentencing makes sentencing arbitrary and often not related to the harm.

Civil citations are step in the right direction. Jailing people for unpaid fines that they are incapable of paying is counterproductive. Community service is feel good possibility. If possible the service could be related to the harm done by the infraction, rather than just something to fill the prescribed hours.

Issues related to reentry from prison are also a part of our community. 85-90% of persons incarcerated return home. Is the community or their families prepared for them? Are they prepared to become productive members of our Tallahassee family?

There are barriers for each of us to step out of our comfort zones. We can tear down these walls.

Step out!

By Agnes Fury Director of Achieve Higher Ground 

Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Minority Outreach Solutions.