Post on 24-Dec-2015
Quotes from our community.
Building a Culture of Peace and Belonging . . .
I liked hearing two speakers, from different perspectives, to see real people telling their painful stories
really hit home. Also, everyone's non judgmental attitudes felt safe.
Victim Impact Panel Participant
It was interesting to learn more about how involved the police department
and municipal judge are in restorative justice.
Community ConferenceVolunteer Community Member
Controlled Substance Intervention
When asked how would you describe this to a friend . . .
Great way to reach out to others
eye-opening, redefining
It was informative and very emotionally involving
I loved the circle process and plan to use it to better my relationships with
others by continuing on with the values it taught me to always
remember including love, honesty, commitment & the value of people.
Training Participant
the program required a solution and provided a respectful environment for
discussion.
Victim Empathy SeminarVictim
Underage Consumption Panels
• Circle process, includes a speaker/storyteller and community members.
• CHOICES booklet used – focused on reducing the risk and harm associated with underage drinking. Emphasis on community impact and specific behavior changes.
Great experience, amazing to see the difference in people's attitudes from
beginning to end.
Community ConferenceVolunteer Community Member
I liked hearing two speakers, from different perspectives, to see real people telling their painful stories
really hit home. Also, everyone's non judgmental attitudes felt safe.
Victim Impact Panel Participant
The process training has helped me respond better, more authentically to
others and have positive tools for dealing with conflict
Training Participant
It makes you feel whole and helps you to heal scars.
Underage Consumption PanelVolunteer Community Member
The story from the mother, it made me think of how my own mother would react. I'm 25 and I just noticed when I got here that my mom must have put a bag of carrots in my
purse. She still thinks of me as her little girl and losing me would crush her. I didn’t
think about that till now.
Victim Impact Panel Participant
Safe Teen Driving Circles
• Used by area drivers ed classes, and high school teachers. Featured on MN Public TV and KARE 11 News.
• Originally a RF Municipal Court and RF PD program, expanded to include a Safe Teen Driving Circle.
• Diversion program for youth offenders/traffic violations.
Seeing the transformation of Cayla. At the beginning she was so angry but
towards the end she started laughing and opening up.
Community ConferenceCommunity Volunteer
Controlled Substance Intervention
When asked how would you describe this to a friend . . .
beneficial and eye openinga life changing experience that does
effect your outlook on thingsWell its a very good program and I feel
that it is verry benifical to the recovery process
having my classmates show their true feelings. it was amazing to see my
peers open up. I cant believe what an impact this speaker had! one of the most positive experiences I’ve ever
had.
Safe Teen Driving CircleParticipant
I knew next to nothing about the circle process, but after attending Kris'
training session I believe I possess the skills to not only get started but be
successful.
Training Participant
i come in here not thinking i would be affected like i was. i'm in complete awe, and have a lot to think about!
Victim Impact Panel Participant
Victim-Offender Conferencing
• Victim-centered. When victims understand the process and intention, they are more likely to participate. SCVRJP can clearly explain options for victims. Including:– Sending information or a representative– Preparing and meeting directly with the
offender– Speaking of the crime to a group that does not
include the offender specific to the victim.
• Focus on Impact, harms and making things right.
I am glad they have this class. It helped me realize what can happen if I
were to make bad decisions when drinking. The community members
were very nice and had a lot of touching stories.
Underage Consumption Panel
Participant
“the event as a whole was fantastic. i like the feeling of trust and
understanding in the circle.”
Victim Empathy SeminarVolunteer Community Member
The training reminded me that every kid has a story & it takes a willingness to look beyond their behaviors to truly listen & understand who the child is.
Training Participant
Thank you again for teaching this class you give kids like me a chance to show the
community and family that I am better than what I was. I want you to know I am not
drinking till I am 21 and I am going to count my drinks. Thanks a lot, I will never forget you. You are a super hero of your own kind.
Thanks again.
Underage Consumption PanelParticipant
Serving Victims
• There maybe situations where offenders are not ‘caught’. SCVRJP serves all victims, regardless of legal status of the crime. In some cases attending an event is a helpful introduction to restorative justice.
• SCVRJP recognizes the six core rights of victims*, and approaches RJ with these in mind.– Safety (a sense of safety for victims). – Information/notification (answers to questions). – Choice (the choice to participate or not participate). – Testimony (a chance to testify to their truth). – Validation (respect for and acknowledgment of the
victim’s experiences). – Restitution (the full and prompt payment of restitution).
*Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.
I really like the idea of having a Circle because it helped everyone connect to the mom who was speaking about her
daughter’s death.
Safe Teen Driving CircleParticipant
Controlled Substance Intervention
When asked how would you describe this to a friend . . .
a great way to get your story off your chest and gain strength, knowledge and understanding from others stories
The circle process was a powerful one that opened my mind to a new
opportunity for the school environment.
Training Participant
It was an eye opening experience that changed everyone’s views victim,
offenders, and community members.
Underage Consumption PanelCommunity Volunteer
Serving Victims
• Conference approaches can be “agreement” or “dialogue” focused. SCVJRP uses a dialogue approach; research has shown this has a more restorative impact for victims.
• Community Conferencing is more of an “agreement” focused service. Victims select the service most appropriate to their needs.
thank you for an excellent experience! you and your volunteers are
wonderful. i really got so much more out of this than i expected, and my
expectations were high!
Training SessionParticipant
Victim Empathy Seminars
• Circle process – involves offenders from different crimes and supporting community members. Juveniles must have a parent attend.
• Community members provide feedback on community expectations.
Working with SCVRJP gives me a chance to impact a group of young people from the community. And, a chance to feel good about myself in
the process.
Underage Consumption PanelCommunity Volunteer
Trainings & Workshops
• Provided on site, for local community & volunteers
• Attended by those out of our service area (NY & California guests)
• Contracts available to bring SCVRJP to your site (Idaho & Washington DC)
The simplicity yet so dynamic an experience to share, support & heal
wounds on so many levels.
Training Participant
It had a large affect on me, it was real and a very serious story. It makes you
think trice about every choice you make.
Safe Teen Driving CircleParticipant
Controlled Substance Intervention
• Created at the request of the Courts.• Circle process, storytelling by
survivors is powerful.• Many new speakers recruited.• Addresses both legal and illegal
substance use (k2, spice, incense)
The mix of community members and offenders was most beneficial. I
particularly appreciated hearing the offenders "story" and the sincerity of
their letters
Victim Empathy SeminarVolunteer Community Member
Serving Offenders
• RJ is a place to completely explain yourself. “Confession is good for the soul”.
• The full impact of crime/wrongdoing is explained directly and respectfully, leading to greater understanding.
• A place for expressing remorse, accountability and acknowledging lessons learned is available in RJ.
i liked getting a parents perspective on this tragic event. it shows not only what it does to your self but every one
in your life.
Safe Teen Driving CircleParticipant
i thought it was so amazing that Mrs. Remer can share her experience with us. i
really think she will change a lot of people's minds about drinking and driving, not
wearing seatbelts, talking on a cell phone while driving, and just being attentive. i
think it is really cool this will change peoples lifes.
Safe Teen Driving CircleParticipant
Community Members
• Allows for direct input regarding community issues.
• Provides a place to support victims and victimizers so that both can move on in a better way.
• Meaningful community involvement, volunteer experiences that truly make a difference.
i respect you so much for having the courage to retell this tragity in your life. your story greatly impacted me
and i will surly think about it often. it definately will impact my driving
decisions.
Safe Teen Driving CircleParticipant
persons unfamiliar with each other enter into profound sharing, caring
and honesty
Victim Empathy SeminarVolunteer Community Member
Victim Impact Panels
• Classroom style – speakers are typically victim/survivor, offender and community member. Providing stories of lives changed forever by the choice to drink & drive.
• Positive feedback regarding the respect of the speakers, the depth of the stories. Evaluation forms show a commitment to change behavior related to drinking and driving.
I learned more than expected, a real eye-
opener!!
Training SessionParticipant
Serving Victims
• We specialize in services that empower victims. Giving them voice and support to speak directly to the person that harmed them. The incident is transformed into one the victim has control over.
• Processing trauma includes reconstructing one’s life events. Car crashes involving impaired drivers are traumatic and preventable. Victim/survivor speakers find storytelling a healing and transformative process. Some describe the experience as “therapy”.
The circle concept was used to teach everyone involved not only , love and honesty but also acceptance of self and others. The circle concept has
also developed a desire in me to pass on this wonderful process in helping
heal others.
Training Participant
I really appreciate how no one is judging here and how both offenders and victims speak. It is very different
from other panels. I actually felt kindness in the room.
Victim Impact Panel Participant
Community Conferences
• Can be used to have ‘community’ develop what needs to happen to repair the harm.
• Used when multiple offenders are responsible.
• Used for crimes that do not impact a broader community, representatives attend.
• Community may assist and support in community service options.
SCVRJPRestorative Justice Center215 N 2nd Street, Suite 108
River Falls, WI 54022
scvrjp@gmail.com
www.scvrjp.org
(715)425-1100
Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.