This course is made up of two parts. Part One is a one-day introduction to Restorative Justice. Part Two focuses on Peacemaking Circles. Students can take Part One, Part Two, or both.
Part 1 – Restorative Justice
This one-day introduction to Restorative Justice and its application in the criminal justice system provides an overview of the values, goals and principles guiding victim-offender dialogue. Restorative Justice is a values-based approach to crime that challenges society’s predominant notion that criminal activity is a conflict between the accused and the state and that those guilty of an offense require punishment. At the heart of Restorative Justice is the recognition that victim needs are central to any RJ process, unlike the legal system which focuses on the offender. A highlight of the workshop will be a panel discussion and question-answer session with practitioners in the field.
Part 2 – Peacemaking Circles
As a symbol of connectedness, fairness, equality, and community, a Circle is a structured dialogue process that creates a safe and intentional space in which relationships are built, decisions are made, ideas and perspectives are shared, and conflict is resolved. This two-day training will provide participants with an overview of how peacemaking circles are being used in a wide variety of settings to restore workplaces, families, faith groups, schools and non-profit organizations, to name just a few. Participants will learn how to design proactive and responsive circles and will have the opportunity to co-facilitate a circle.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Individuals interested in the principles and practices of restorative justice
- Outreach workers wanting to learn the circle process for use in their work
- Community leaders open to learning new ways of using restorative practices
- Mediators and facilitators wishing to add restorative work to their practice
What Will I Learn and What Skills Will I Gain?
Restorative Justice Learning Objectives
- Learn the philosophy, values and guiding principles of Restorative Justice as well as its application within the criminal justice system
- Understand the paradigm shift required to move from a punitive to restorative mindset
- Examine the qualities of a competent Restorative Justice facilitator and appreciate the ethical considerations informing processes that involve bringing people together when harm has occurred
Peacemaking Circles Learning Objectives
- Learn Circle Processes including Proactive and Responsive Circles
- Build the elements of a Circle Process framed by opening and closing ceremonies, values, guidelines and framing questions
- Learn the role of the circle keeper and practice designing and facilitating a circle
- Explore the possible applications of Peacemaking Circles in schools, in the workplace, in neighbourhoods, in other organizations and as a way of empowering citizens in democratic processes
- Experience the power of circles
What Can I Expect in Class?
This course uses presentations by the instructor, circle work, and emphasizes group discussion and roleplaying.
Course materials, including a learners manual, will be provided.
Recommended Reading Prior to Training
- The Little Book of Restorative Justice by Howard Zehr
- The Little Book of Circle Processes by Kay Pranis
What Are the Pre-Requisites?
ADRIA membership is required to take this courses.
There is no pre-requisite training for this course.
This course is 1, 2, or 3 days in length, depending on registration; full attendance is required to receive a certificate of course completion.
What Are the Costs & Other Details?
Restorative Justice (1 day): $350
Peacemaking Circles (2 days): $700
Restorative Practices (3 days – both courses taken together): $1,000
Instructor
Joanne Munro is a nationally chartered mediator, a restorative justice facilitator, and an instructor in the fields of mediation, restorative justice, restorative practices, peacemaking circles, conflict resolution, and negotiation. Joanne also volunteers as a mediator and restorative justice facilitator with local community mediation programs. In 2017 Joanne was one of 15 candidates selected to participate in Correctional Services Canada’s Serious Crime Victim-Offender Mediation training in Ottawa. In private practice, Joanne specializes in workplace, faith group, non-profit, and separation and divorce mediation. She mediates for Alberta Justice’s family mediation and civil claims programs and is a member of the provincial police complaints mediation roster. Joanne has extensive experience in organizational/workplace assessment and mediation, and a rich background in facilitating meetings, public involvement processes (for the government), and helping organizations restore their workplaces. She was a member of the ADR Institute of Alberta’s Board of Directors for several years.
Prior to entering the fascinating world of peace making, Joanne was a journalist with the Edmonton Journal, reporting in a variety of areas and then working as a columnist and editorial writer.
Where Can I Go from Here?
Upon successful completion, this course will count as specialized training towards ADRIA’s Program Certificate in Conflict Leadership.
Restorative Justice (1 day): 7 hours
Peacemaking Circles (2 days): 14 hours
Restorative Practices (3 days – both courses taken together): 21 hours
Feedback from Our Students
“Joanne is very experienced in restorative practices and that came through clearly. She taught supportively and had a masterful closing.” – Walt B.
Upcoming Course Dates
