Introduction to Restorative & Transformative Justice: Seeding Restorative Mindset in the UMass Amherst Community

In a dominant culture increasingly defined by dynamics of ideological polarization, emotionally-armored conflict, inter- and intra-community call-outs and cancellation campaigns, Restorative and Transformative Justice can offer alternate paths toward principled struggle, intentional repair, collective healing, and coalition building. 

In this interactive workshop, participants will be invited to root into their own unique core values while learning about the historical origins of restorative practices, as well as some key vocabulary, core concepts, and essential inquiries that inform and support such practices. In addition to articulating our vision(s) for a restorative future, we will also consider the ways in which punitive/carceral mindset currently functions within ourselves and our communities, identifying action items to invite greater alignment with our hopes and goals for growth and evolution. While this session is intended to be accessible to those who are brand new to RJ/TJ, seasoned practitioners and those with existing deep knowledge are welcome and invited to add their energy and voices to this whole-community conversation!

Facilitator(s): Penn Pritchard, Jules Purnell, Rita Curley

• Penn Pritchard (they/them), Office of Equity & Inclusion, Senior Director for Education & Development
• Jules Purnell (they/them), Sociology, Faculty

Rita Curley (she/her), Equal Opportunity & Access Office, Investigator

This is a part of our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Conference "extension programming" of in demand workshops from the 2024 JEDI Conference.