Tamara's Newsletter Post

Restorative Justice Practices are connected to the world we strive to achieve when it comes to creating liberatory spaces. But what do we truly know about liberation? The concept of restorative justice comes from social justice and its connection to incarceration. Incarceration, or imprisonment, is basically the opposite of liberation. I have participated in all the different trainings and led teams and workshops on Restorative Justice Practices. But, I also know that it is a way of life that completely goes against our human nature and systemic structures. This is why so many schools are not successful in their full implementation. Recently, I have been questioning and pondering on if it truly works. And the answer is yes, and. Anything that provides space for us to simply pause and think, pause and be still, or simply be is a good habit to learn.

This is not simply a way to deal with problems and make sure everyone is heard. It is also a good time to recognize harm to determine if that harm should continue. It is not simply a blanket apology wrapped up in a holistic bow. It is now a box to be checked off when you make your new DEI goals. It is the time to have actual conversations with active listening, and not simply waiting to speak. It is the time to face your ignorance and your wisdom. It is the time to step up and step back. It is time to sit with someone in silence. To simply observe what is not being said, and when words fail you. It should be proactive and not reactive. It is not the time for someone to be right and someone to be wrong, but rather a space for honesty and kindness. But, never kindness for the sake of being kind, or even worse, simply because one is fearful to share their truth. Or even worse, using the space to have a trauma-induced response. There are other and better spaces for that work. Restorative Practices are not it. THIS is liberation. THIS is being free. THIS is rare because many of us have been taught to simply exist and seldom taught to thrive and breathe freely. If you are in a space that feels wrong or toxic, then know that you are not in a restorative justice space. Leave immediately.