Restorative Practices is based on restorative justice, and restorative justice has been used in places like Rwanda, places like South Africa, not only to repair the harm that’s been done but to create an environment where people feel valued and respected.
But restorative practices are being demonized by groups like Moms for Liberty. They’re combining that with things like equity. They’re combining it with critical race theory, and they’re defining it all as being “woke”.
Restorative practices is about creating environments where people feel valued and safe. It’s about talking with each other, sharing, collaborating, and being honest about our challenges. Repairing harm when harm has been done and acknowledged.
So when you hear about restorative practices, you might hear about it in a negative light from groups like Moms for Liberty who are trying to define it as something sinister or as something “woke”.
The fact is, if you are committed to restorative practices, it’s going to mean that you will have more successful relationships and communities. And if you believe in democracy, we need things like restorative practices.