My friend and mentor Shedrick Sanders passed a way last weekend. 

To honor his memory we're revisiting our conversation from Fall 2020 detailing his journey from standing up to bullies as a young boy to becoming an esteemed peacemaker and problem solver. He shared his transformative experiences ranging from teaching math in Ghana to facilitating peace circles in Chicago. Shedrick's incredible knack for conflict resolution and mediation is unearthed through his thrilling anecdotes from his time in the Peace Corps and the Dispute Settlement Center. His unique approach of intertwining play, joy, and relationship building with conflict resolution is something that has had a lasting impact.

If you're part of the Chicago Restorative Justice Community and want to join a circle of remembrance and celebration. Join Circle for Circle Keepers on Monday, November 13th from 4-6pm CST at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. 

email: cjyi.peace@gmail.com for more info.

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Our conversation with Saniah Brown Jones is the last in our series highlighting Restorative Justice in South Florida. She shares her wisdom and experiences as a young person who's been impacted by the RJ work and programing of our previous contributors. This episode is not just about Saniah's growth, but also about how restorative justice transforms lives, builds confidence, and creates spaces for growth and healing. This discussion is a testament to the power of understanding and the importance of providing safe spaces for growth.

Support Saniah!
Website:
https://www.fanmsaj.org/
https://www.floridarestorativejustice.com/

Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/fanmsajinc/
https://www.instagram.com/frja_rjustice/
https://www.instagram.com/niahh.bxbyy/

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Jose Dominguez is a youth organizer at Power U, focusing on campaigns against the school-to-prison pipeline and advocating for restorative justice practices in schools. 

Our conversation touched on contentious topics like police presence in schools, queer liberation, and homophobia in the church. Jose emphasized the power of grace and communication in addressing these issues. We also explored the importance of political education in a way that doesn't resort to punitive or shaming measures for those who may disagree with the organization's views.

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Cindy Mahendar is a Training and Operations Manager for the Healing and Justice Center and an alumni of Dream Defenders.

Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as Cindy discusses the alternative initiatives implemented by the Healing and Justice Center. From a mobile crisis unit to a peacemaker team, Cindy and her team paint a picture of a reimagined approach to navigating conflict and harm. Her candid sharing of the project's highs and lows offers a thorough understanding of the unique challenges and rewards of their work.

Support Cindy!
Websites:
https://www.dreamdefenders.org/
https://www.healingandjusticecenter.org/

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Ruth Ifakemi Efungbemi Ajewole Ajeleti Ifaloro Jeannoelis a Haitian American, cultural organizer, holistic healer and writer. She is also a mother and wife. Currently, Ruth serves as the Founder and Director of the growing non-profit, Fanm Saj, Inc based in Miami, FL. Fanm Saj in the Haitian Kreyol language means, Midwife, we’ll say Midwives catch babies and Fanm Saj catches communities.

In this enlightening conversation, Ruth illustrates how restorative practices can bolster Black maternal health, spotlighting the potency of circles for connection and recovery. With her experiences in youth organization intertwining with movements spanning environmental justice, birth work, and gender-based violence, we gain a deeper understanding of restorative justice practices and their potential to create more equitable and healing-centered communities.

Support Ruth!
Website: https://www.fanmsaj.org/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/fanmsajinc/

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"Q" is an experienced facilitator, rooted in restorative practices, who is an expert in crafting containers for community to listen, reflect, create, and witness each other with presence and depth to inspire what is possible. Quincie has collaborated with a myriad of communities, organizations, and universities/colleges to develop and deliver programming that is tailored to a community’s need/curiosity. They are also a founder of Unity 360 Institute working toward offering customized, experiential training workshops and technical assistance for institutions, companies and organizations to guide them toward intentional representation and an inclusive transformative culture.

Our conversation takes an insightful turn as we reflect on our own childhood experiences and how they've led us to the path of restorative justice. We dive into the power of creating welcoming spaces that make young people’s voices heard and matter. We also unpack the definitions of restorative and transformative justice, the importance of an intergenerational approach, and the potential of RJ to envision a society beyond our current structures.

Support Q!
Website: https://u360ideas.org/
Resources: http://frja.org/

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JoHanna "J" Thompson is the Co-Director of the Florida Restorative Justice Coalition. Her career has been dedicated to creating collaborative spaces across an intersection of networks, fostering relationships, and maintaining a vision to increase the capacity of influencers, community organizations, programs and campaigns working toward equitable social and transformational justice.

She lends lived experience and expertise as a Social Impact Strategist, Public
Administrator, Organizer, Guardian ad Litem, Therapeutic Foster Parent, Interventionist, Restorative Justice Practitioner, facilitator, trainer, and Healer.

A self proclaimed agent of change and persuasion, J’s personal commitment and approach to life aligns with community accountability, Structural Reconstruction, and the belief that “one day change gonna come.”

Learn more about the Florida Restorative Justice Coalition and the upcoming Down South Restorative Justice Conference at FRJA.org

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See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube.

How can you use Restorative Justice when navigating career transitions, being vulnerable with students, and figuring out what it means to be a good teacher? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections!

Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary” event July 31: http://tiny.cc/ARJabbott

Access unreleased episodes NOW, connect with other RJ minded individuals and get other benefits by joining “The Inner Circle”: https://amplifyrj.thinkific.com/courses/inner-circle

Support Felina
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/teachingwithcorazon/

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