Restorative Justice and Circles

Having a process to repair harm is really important.

Kris Miner — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:42:56 +0000

Often times, the process of participating in a Circle or Community Conference means a lot to community members and victims attending. I am often times impressed with how having the discussion, removes a great deal of weight in the room. Weight off the shoulders of the offender, for the harm caused. Weight off of the [...]

The purpose of ‘kooky’ in Restorative Justice Circles.

Kris Miner — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:42:43 +0000

People that participate in Circles with me, become really honest about what they thought at first. This honest testimony about what people thought about a Circle at first, and what they think now is an endorsement for the process. The most recent description like this used the term ” kooky“. It’s been mentioned that they seemed wierd. One advocate [...]

The Fundraiser was a smashing SUCCESS!

Kris Miner — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:58:53 +0000

I got to the hotel banquet room early. I wish I would have snapped a photo. The SCVRJP logo was on the program at each place setting. Coffee mugs with the SCVRJP logo created a circle shaped center pieces. There were 15 roundtables, each seating eight set up the length of the banquet room. As [...]

Speaking about Restorative Justice, what one thing, is most important.

Kris Miner — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:15:25 +0000

I’m struggling with what to say at tonights first fundraiser. I know that I will have a demonstration towards the end. I plan to make the ‘mic’ the talking piece, and have a few testimonials from the crowd. I have a few people aware that the spontaneous opportunity will be presented. I do believe I [...]

Overcoming the feedback that I couldn’t write a story.

Kris Miner — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:36:30 +0000

One of my college dreams was to be a TV news reporter. It was maybe my 2nd or 3rd major in college, and I felt “at home” as a Mass Comm (communications) major. I wanted to be the talented, smart and pretty woman in front of the camera. I worked really hard at writing and developing [...]

Restorative Justice for Victims and increased victim participation.

Kris Miner — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:23:38 +0000

A few recent events pulled this post together. 1.) At the IIRP Conference, I teased the Prosecuter in attendance, asking him if he was lost. It was just a little sarcasm about the different philosophies sometimes held by ‘prosecution’ and ‘restorative justice’. I then shared with him how I appreciated prosecutors that took initiative in using [...]

Restorative Justice promotion, took a new step.

Kris Miner — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:56:44 +0000

One of the most popular posts on my blog, has a picture of stairs. The point of the blog, is learning stairs. Playing off the term ‘learning curve’. I do think the popularity of the post, is not in it’s content, but in the photo. People search stairs, and that photo catches them and gives [...]

The power in hearing every voice, and the power of Circle participation.

Kris Miner — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:35:39 +0000

“I was at a training, about leadership and meetings. They said something that struck me, and reminded me of Circle. They said the meeting doesn’t start until every voice is heard.” – spoken in a talking circle. My immediate thought was about how many meetings I was in that had really never started! It also validated [...]

My wonderful experience at the IIRP 12th World Conference on restorative practices

Kris Miner — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:35:37 +0000

I can’t believe it’s come and gone! Last week I attended the 12th World Conference, hosted by the International Institute for Restorative Practices. It was AMAZING! My first IIRP conference was in 2002 (the 3rd IIRP conference). That is where I first met IIRP President Ted Wachtel, as I mentioned in another post, he impressed [...]

Just enough trauma, to validate my trauma knowledge and understand victims more.

Kris Miner — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:41:28 +0000

I was cleaning out my garage yesterday. Up in the rafters was my daughters old metal scooter, like the one pictured here. As I was working hard, getting things re-arranged to get my car to fit. I was clunked in the head, hard, it hurt. I saw the scooter hit the ground, so knew it was that. It [...]