” I just want to thank you for getting me involved in Peace Circle. Today was the best ever! It didn’t start out that way, but the students were able to conduct themselves without the 2 teachers present, they are using questions they have developed and today they discussed personal anger calmly! There is a new student in the group and she joined and spoke for the first time. I know it’s May already, but the journey has been so worth it with these 7th grade students. Just wanted to send a good message forward….:) I really wish PC was built into the schedule for each self-contained classroom that has behavioral issues… onward and upward!”
Gayle Harrison, PhD, Developmental Psychologist, School Psychologist
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“I tell you honestly my experiences so far because as you can see it’s far from perfect but the magic of circle is occurring and teachers talk and the word gets around. Both the social worker and ED support are amazed at how much the circles have helped the students get in touch with feelings, helped them share themselves, helped them to self-reflect, and how much they really do listen to each other.
So if you haven’t started….get going….experiment and don’t be afraid to fail….you’ll learn a lot. Things rarely go smoothly in schools but you’ll have fun trying and you’ll at least impress the teachers in the classrooms. I’ve never had a teacher tell me yet they thought circles was a waste of time.
So spread your fairy dust…..and may the force be with you! …….. give restorative peace a shot.”
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“All those years ago, you provided me with life-changing moments. It made such an impact on me, that I carried it with me wherever my journey led. It amazes me that even now, with something so familiar I still feel a sense of renewal, rejuvenation, inspiration and motivation. You can take perfect strangers and make a cohesive group of people willing to share their hearts and work together. Thank you.”
Reviews from our Restorative Practices Conference, April 2014
“The speakers were awesome”
“Highly recommended”
“(I came because) I wanted to know more about how to use circles for re-entry from suspensions – I received great ideas and even more than I expected”
“Overall the conference was excellent! My expectations were exceeded”
“The keynote was excellent. Loved meeting like minded people – inspiring, rejuvenating, great experience.”
Reviews from our trainings
“Without a doubt, this was the best PD I have participated in thru (our school district)”
“Absolutely would recommend! Experiential learning is so powerful. This training was a wonderful opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.”
“I would recommend (this training) to others. Priceless way to build community, repair harm and encourage communication.”
“I have learned so much from everyone and also from the process. I have the confidence to take this back to my school and use it. I think all individuals who work in a school setting should take this training: to improve communication and build a trusting community among students and adults.”
Community Conference/Restorative Justice Reviews
“I strongly believe more of the cases before the court would be better dealt with through this conference” – Someone who experienced a harm/victim
“The facilitators were marvelous, and I very much appreciate their support in going through this process. I cannot recommend PiRI highly enough and am so grateful to have been able to access this resource.” – Someone who experienced a harm/victim
“I believe that a program such as this goes a long way towards teaching the offender about the ramifications of their actions. It personalizes things the way prison and courts will never do. It puts the offender in the shoes of the victim in a very real and personal way”. – Community member
“Prior to the conference I was fearful of the perpetrators. Afterwards I was able to free myself from my worries and fears that we would be targets of further violence” – Someone who experienced a harm/victim