Resources & Media
What is restorative justice?
Restorative Justice is a philosophy in which we analyze the ways we show up and occupy spaces, interact/react to conflict, and actively oppose systems of oppression. It is an internal and cultural shift from punitive measures that instead focuses on healing harms when they occur. This shift is rooted in the value of building and maintaining relationships while being held and holding oneself accountable to the harms one causes. Restorative Justice without equity is neither restorative nor just. Restorative Justice values are not new.
WHY Restorative justice MATTERS.
Restorative Justice draws from longstanding indigenous traditions focused on communal healing. Unlike punitive models, it prioritizes rehabilitation through accountability. Research shows restorative approaches decrease repeat offenses while better serving harmed parties and responsible parties. Harmed parties feel empowered and find closure while responsible parties feel motivated to make amends. By rebuilding bonds severed by harm, Restorative Justice can disrupt cycles of violence that shatter communities. Meeting wrongs with openness, not further harm, plants seeds of peace.
Our Values Definitions
Anti-Racism:
Anti-racism encompasses a range of ideas and political actions which are meant to counter racial prejudice, systemic racism, and the oppression of specific racial groups. It is structured around conscious efforts and deliberate actions which are intended to provide equal opportunities for all people on both an individual and a systemic level. As a philosophy, it can be engaged in by the acknowledgment of personal privileges, confronting acts as well as systems of racial discrimination, and/or working to change personal racial biases.
Equity:
Ensuring people get access to the same opportunities by recognizing that each person comes from different circumstances and by allocating the exact resources needed that are specific to each person to reach an equal outcome.
Decreasing Recidivism:
Allowing individuals to see their own humanity and the humanity of others through relationship building and healing conversations to create an environment where going back to the harmful ways of living no longer feels aligned with their values.
Accountability:
We encourage individuals to take responsibility for their actions while supporting their individual growth.
Healing:
We prioritize healing as a transformative force for individuals and communities by respecting the humanity of all involved.
Resilience:
We nurture resilience in the face of adversity, building stronger communities.
Social Impact Statement:
Mission Statement
Restorative Roots Project cultivates community healing and reconciliation by providing Restorative Justice services that address harm and transform conflict.
Problem Statement
Trauma, violence, and inequality plague our communities. Historical injustice, institutional biases and racism, and interpersonal conflicts result in a continuous cycle of individual and collective harm. This disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, exacerbating division, disconnection and harmful outcomes.
Target Population
We aim to primarily serve families and communities of color in Multnomah County who bear the brunt of societal harms. We also plan to provide training and consulting to organizations and justice systems seeking to implement restorative practices.
Programs and Services
As we launch operations, our programs will facilitate Equity-Informed Mediation, community conferencing, healing circles, and trauma-informed practices. We plan to operate in schools, justice centers, neighborhoods and workplaces.
Impact Vision
By providing an alternative, we aim to disrupt cycles of retribution and punishment. Our restorative model intends to reduce suspension rates, decrease recidivism, and boost satisfaction rates for both harmed parties and responsible parties. We envision communities using compassion, respect, and listening to understand for healing rather than further harm.
Call to Action
Help seed restorative change in your community. Contact us to volunteer, donate, or be the first to bring our Restorative Justice programs and trainings to your school or workplace.
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