The Williams Lake Community Council for Restorative Justice (WLCCRJ) is offering a weekend of free training from April 11-13 for those wanting to learn how to facilitate restorative justice circles.
Whether you want to get involved with the WLCCRJ or are looking to apply restorative justice in your own life, this training is an opportunity to learn more about how you can help repair the harm resulting from a conflict.
“(Restorative justice) circles aren’t as easy as people think,” said Sandra Hawkins who has been involved with WLCCRJ since 1998.
It can be tense and emotional, but there’s usually a sense of relief as well. Both the offender and the individual affected get to see each other face-to-face and hear the other’s story, allowing both to develop empathy for each other.
“You don’t have to say much when you’re on the stand, but in the circle, you speak and everyone else gets to answer questions,” Hawkins said, explaining how restorative justice circles enable those involved to connect more than they may do so through the court system.
“Something is keeping them from being in a place harmoniously,” she said while explaining that restorative justice builds a bridge so the victim and offender can find ways to resolve the conflict.
While WLCCRJ doesn't have statistics to show how their work affects the community, Hawkins said she sees the results in real time.
"When you see the offender take responsibility, when you see the victim’s relief, you see it has had an impact.”
Beyond addressing crime, restorative justice can also be used in your own life, whether it's at work or at home, and Hawkins encourages anyone interested to take part in the training.
“It’s one of the best deals in town,” she said with a smile. The free, three-day training begins in the evening of April 11, continues on April 12 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and wraps up on April 13. Meals and snacks will also be provided during the training which will take place at St. Andrews United Church in Williams Lake.
WLCCRJ is always looking for more facilitators and offers training twice a year. You can register by contacting Deb Pickering at deborah.pickering57@gmail.com or by calling 250-2267-7326. To learn more visit the WLCCRJ website.
