Tuesday March 10, 6:30pm – 8pm
Presented in partnership with the Tom Tom Foundation, The Courage to Repair asks a simple but profound question: What if courage meant facing harm with empathy, accountability, and a willingness to heal?
In this interactive workshop, Erin Campbell of Central Virginia Community Justice (CVCJ) will introduce restorative frameworks and practices that strengthen both individuals and the communities they’re part of. Participants will learn how slowing down, listening deeply, and honoring everyone’s humanity can transform conflict into connection.
CVCJ’s restorative justice model is used innovatively by Charlottesville and Albemarle’s criminal legal systems to divert cases away from the courtroom. In these circles, those who’ve been harmed can name what they need to heal, while those responsible for harm take action and accountability. The results are powerful: reduced trauma, deeper empathy, lower rates of reoffending, and safer, more compassionate communities.
Participants will explore how a punitive response to harm and conflict is engrained in us, but how restorative justice responses will often bring us more repair, safety and healing. This hands-on session will incorporate journaling, pair sharing, and if time, circle process–a structured form of sharing which slows down the conversation and equalizes participants. Together, we’ll ask: What does it mean to be courageous enough to repair?