Facilitator Training For Restorative Practices

Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda [CURB], in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission [HRC], will be offering Restorative Practices facilitator training in February.

A spokesperson said, “Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda, in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission, will be offering Restorative Practices facilitator training to members of the public in two one-day workshops entitled, respectively: Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively.

“The workshops will be held at the Human Rights Commission, Milner Place, Victoria Street in Hamilton on two Saturdays in February. The training will be with a licensed trainer under the auspices of the International Institute of Restorative Practices [IIRP] www.iirp.edu. Two books are provided for the training: The Restorative Practices Handbook and Restorative Circles.

“Restorative Practices has its origins in Restorative Justice, which has seen much success in the criminal justice field by providing a way to repair the harm done to people, community and relationships rather than only punishing offenders. It finds its roots in ancient indigenous practices employed in cultures all over the world, from First Nation, to African, Asian, Celtic, Hebrew, and many others.

“Dr. Carolyn Boyes-Watson at Suffolk University’s Center for Restorative Justice defines Restorative Practices as “… a growing social movement to institutionalize peaceful approaches to harm, problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights. These range from international peacemaking tribunals such as the South Africa Truth & Reconciliation Commission to innovations within the criminal and juvenile justice systems, schools, social services and communities.

“Rather than privileging the law, professionals and the state, restorative resolutions engage those who are harmed, wrongdoers and their affected communities in search of solutions that promote repair, reconciliation and the rebuilding of relationships. Restorative justice seeks to build partnerships to reestablish mutual responsibility for constructive responses to wrongdoing within our communities. Restorative approaches seek a balanced approach to the needs of the victim, wrongdoer and community through processes that preserve the safety and dignity of all.”

“Whether one works in education, the criminal justice system, social services, youth services, faith communities, human resources, counseling, leadership, charitable work, workplace conflict, the business environment or any other type of work, restorative practice training imparts practical knowledge and skills that can be used immediately in any field to help resolve conflict, mediate problems, strengthen relationships and build community.

“For those who wish to take their training further, advanced courses will be held later in the year. Those who complete the training will be entered in the IIRP database so that as participants do more advanced trainings they can work towards their own training license, Graduate Certification or Master’s Degree with the IIRP. This training can also be used for continuing education credit.

“Cost is $300 for the 2-day training. For those willing to volunteer as Assistant Facilitators for the Bermuda Truth & Reconciliation Community Conversations [TRCC] and who have some knowledge or experience in the social justice/racial justice arena, we will be seeking funding to assist with the cost.

“Please email admin@uprootingracism.org or call 505 0112 if interested. The course will be offered for up to 20 people.

Day 1: Introduction to Restorative Practices

“Learn practical strategies to build strong, healthy relationships with students, families, clients, employees and colleagues. Interactive experiences bring you to a full understanding of the fundamental unifying premise of restorative practices – that people are happier, more cooperative and productive and more likely to make positive changes in their lives when those in positions of authority do things with them rather than to them or for them.

Day 2: Using Circles Effectively

“Holding group discussions in a circle helps to facilitate meaningful conversation and encourages full participation from everyone involved. Through video, practice and discussion, participants identify reliable methods for using circles to build community, establish norms and address behavior and relationships. Useful in any setting from education and other human services to organizational management.”

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