A Reflection on WhyRJ's Programming for Schools

Schools are often considered a second home for children, a place where they spend most of their time outside their households learning and forming lifelong relationships, but oftentimes punitive systems of discipline make these experiences daunting. Growing up in a punishment driven system where mistakes were met with punishment, and explanations for actions were discouraged, being open and fostering connections felt difficult. 

As someone dedicated to building a career in education and fostering inclusive and welcoming environments for students, the traditional punitive system has always felt like a significant barrier due to its focus on punishment rather than understanding and hearing. To this system, WhyRJ’s Restorative Justice Practices (RJ) in school settings felt like a refreshing alternative,  offering a more compassionate and effective way to address conflict and support student development. These practices focus on building positive relationships and creating supportive learning environments by fostering social capital and addressing conflicts through empathy and understanding. Rather than responding to harm with punishment, RJ practices emphasize structural dialogue and mutual understanding to transform behaviors.

I was fortunate to participate in WhyRJ's pilot restorative justice program, which provided me with a deep understanding of how these practices can be integrated into daily school life. This approach can create meaningful and positive experiences for students, teachers, and administrators alike. In this blog, I will explore the program’s framework, its impact, and share my reflections on its effectiveness.

The restorative justice program introduces schools to the core values and practices of restorative justice through comprehensive training and interactive activities. Its goal is to cultivate harmony within schools and foster a culture of trust and connection between staff and students. The program combines in-person and asynchronous training with actionable tasks, encouraging a person-centered learning experience. Trainers act as facilitators, guiding participants through self-reflection and active engagement. Each step of the restorative process is carefully taught with real-life examples and practical action items, ensuring participants not only learn but also internalize and implement these practices within their schools.

Coming from a background in a punitive school system, this program was a revelation for me. It illuminated how that system had negatively impacted my ability to connect with mentors and build trust. The program, grounded in its core values, is reflective and dialogue-driven. It welcomes ideas, embraces mistakes, and encourages growth and continuous learning.

One of the program’s most impactful components was its emphasis on self-reflection. The thoughtful questions posed by the facilitators helped me envision the ideal educational environment I wished to create. This reflection guided my action plan for incorporating restorative justice practices in schools. The curriculum’s design is both collaborative and individualistic, allowing each participant to feel heard and empowered to transform their ideas into actionable steps. This practical approach made the learning process not only insightful but also actionable and sustainable.

By the end of the program, I felt equipped not only with knowledge but also with the confidence and tools to independently build and support restorative practices in educational settings. The experience was transformative, offering me not just a new way to engage with students but a new perspective on fostering community and empathy in all areas of life.

Restorative justice practices are essential for creating compassionate and inclusive school environments. By shifting from punitive measures to empathy-driven dialogue and community building, schools can become safer, more supportive spaces where every student feels valued and understood.

Implementing these practices can significantly improve student well-being, strengthen relationships, and foster a culture of accountability and growth. Investing in restorative justice is an investment in a better, more inclusive future for education.