Restorative Justice

Ideas for doing restorative justice

Here are some ideas…..

Learn more about the idea of restorative justice

Reconcile and strengthen relationships with your family and loved ones

Support those around you who are crime victims

Look at how you have been impacted by violence and find ways to heal

Work with young people to help build their self-esteem and to help them feel like they belong

Get involved with programs that are offered in prison

Read books about justice and peacebuilding

Mentor young people to help them live responsible lives

Take an impact of crime class

Make donations of money or time to organizations that help people in need

Draft a letter to your victim (DOC policy says that you may not send the letter)

Maintain relationships with people from your home community

Pay your restitution (restitution is payment to the victim for damages caused by the crime)

Imagine what "restoration" means in your life and try to make it a reality

Participate in activities and projects that involve community people

Journal about your involvement in crime and make an effort to be responsible for your actions

Make changes in your life

Learn about organizations that strive to improve human and community conditions

Look for ways to practice restorative justice in prison

(ideas generated through conversation with incarcerated men and women; prepared by Barb Toews, Pennsylvania Prison Society)