Underpinning all restorative justice practices (i.e. circles, conferences and victim/offender dialogue) is a set of values or principles. These include: empathy, interconnection, self-determination, reparation and accountability. The restorative approach to accountability is radically different from the mainstream. 

We live in a culture in which accountability is generally equated with punishment imposed by an authority figure – be it a judge, a teacher, parent or an esteemed member of our community. We have created a vast web of responses, policies, and approaches — from our justice system to our schools to our own families — that reflect this understanding. 

But in restorative justice accountability is seen as a process that a person who caused harm must actively engage—where possible—with the person and/or community harmed. 

We will explore the implications of this paradigm shift and engage attendees in a discussion of strategies for shifting public and personal perception about accountability.

Free for ACR-GNY members and John Jay students; $25 for non-members.

For more information, click here.