Training & Education
CVCJ Presentations
.5-1.5 Hours
Our introductory presentations cover an overview of restorative justice philosophy and process, grounded in real stories from our work. They're a good fit for referral partners, community groups, faith organizations, schools, and anyone curious about RJ. Donations are welcome but not required.
To find out more, contact us at info@communityjusticeva.org or (434) 260-0322.
Training Workshops
Our interactive trainings are offered on a sliding scale. We can tailor any workshop to fit your group's needs -from 2 hours to multiple days. These trainings are appropriate for nonprofit and for-profit workplaces, faith communities, K-12 schools and higher education, and community groups.
To inquire or schedule a training, contact us at info@CommunityJusticeVA.org or (434) 260-0322.
2.5+ Hours
RJ In Real Life
This workshop introduces people to restorative principles and processes by inviting them to practice applying the principles to a situation in their own lives. This workshop first uses storytelling from RJ conferences we have facilitated and a slideshow presentation to introduce the restorative framework. We introduce “circle process” to explore as a group what gifts and skills people already bring to conflict. Then we invite participants to apply the restorative questions to an issue of harm or conflict in their own lives. This workshop uses journaling, small group shares, and large group shares to engage participants, who often find it empowering.
2.5+ Hours
Conflict Resilience Skills and Practices
This interactive workshop starts with a short embodied activity that is then unpacked to help people gain awareness of their own and others’ conflict styles. We explore the gifts and challenges of each style, and how our style can change given the circumstance. Then we introduce participants to a framework for understanding tension which helps us move beyond binary, polarized conflict. Lastly we practice the communication skills of reflective and imaginative listening. This workshop uses pair shares, large group shares, and activities that involve standing and moving around the space.
2.5+ Hours
Deepening Conflict Communication Skills
A follow up to “Conflict Resilience Skills and Practices,” this workshop explores additional skills such as paraphrasing, open-ended questions, reframing, and nonviolent communication. Participants use personal experiences as well as engage with role plays in order to practice. Self-reflective journaling will also be used in this workshop.
2.5+ Hours
Intro To Circle Process
Participants will learn the basics of circle process, which is a way of slowing down conversations, listening deeply, and speaking genuinely. Circle process can be a powerful ordinary routine in a workplace or group – unlike open discussion, the power of circle process is that it ensures opportunity for all voices to be heard, rather than just the loudest or most powerful voices. Circle process could be used to gather input for a policy decision like implementing work-from-home, or to celebrate a staff person who is leaving, or to process a challenging national event that affects your daily work. Over time, circle process can build positive culture and morale. Groups that have familiarity with circle process often find it very useful during tension or conflict.
16 Hours
Restorative Skills Training - Level 1: Building Restorative Culture
Topics include:
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Circle process: Learn and practice this method of dialogue that allows more voices to be heard than a typical conversation or meeting might. Circle practice can be used for everything from logistical meetings to weighty conversations.
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Practices for dignity: The workplace, community groups, and even our own households sometimes neglect the fact that we are human beings. Learn simple practices that acknowledge humanity, foster dignity and calm the nervous system so that whatever group you are a part of can do the good work you’re trying to do.
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Communication techniques: Learn and practice simple communication techniques that have very practical goals: helping you to better understand those around you, helping others to understand you, and allowing everyone to feel more respected and heard.
16 Hours
Restorative Skills Training - Level 2: Foundations of Conflict Resilience
Topics include:
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Conflict styles: Learn what your own conflict style is and the frameworks that those different from you operate under, so that you can move through conflict more smoothly.
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The Iceberg Model for Understanding Conflict: Use the Art of Questioning to explore the deeper interests and needs below someone’s firmly held position, which often opens up a variety of solutions.
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The Restorative Questions: Learn the restorative questions, which are the basis of a restorative approach to harm and conflict. Apply the questions to an instance of tension or harm in your own life.
Level 1 is a pre-requisite for this course.
16 Hours
Restorative Skills Training - Level 3: Restorative Justice for Conflict & Harm
Levels 1 & 2 are pre-requisites for this course.
Learn how to facilitate restorative justice processes and dialogues to address harm and conflict.