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June 2024
Retrieve Your Learnings
In the summer, you might be able to choose what you want to read. Along with any mystery novel, science fiction or historical tome, you might include a few articles about RP on your list. Here are two, not too long, providing summaries of research.
Ideas and Suggestions for Restorative Practitioners
June: The end of the school year, always a time for both celebration and reflection. June Heritage Month events provide an opportunity for both celebration and an invitation to gain a deeper understanding of history. June is Immigrant Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month and also, the celebration of Juneteenth. Both Pride and Juneteenth commemorate the continued struggle and fight for equality and equity. Immigrant Heritage Month seeks to create “awareness on how diversity and immigration are essential elements of our social fabric” (Global Community). May your celebrations and reflections nurture your heart like a sweet June rain.
Deepen Your Practice
June Restorative Practices Trainings – Space Still Available in These Sessions:
In-person Skill Sessions, one- or two-day trainings:
- Circle to Play – Bemidji
- Compassionate Witnessing – La Crescent
- Personal Reflection: Harm, Discipline, and Change – Cloquet
- Restorative Mindfulness – Bemidji
- Teaching Circle with Students with Special Needs – Crystal
- Addressing Racial Harm – Crystal
In-person three- and four-day trainings:
- Restorative Chats – La Crescent
- Circle 1: Building Community – La Crescent
- Restorative Repair: Students with Special Needs – Crystal
- Strength-Based Support and Accountability Planning: An Alternative to Expulsion and Support for Adult Conflict – Crystal
Affinity Circle for Paraprofessionals, either online or in-person in Crystal. This session is free for paraprofessionals.
Registration Links
August Restorative Practices Trainings
Register now for the August Restorative Trainings: Circle and Chats. Circle trainings will be offered in-person August 5-8 in Virginia and August 12-15 at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Restorative chats will be offered August 12-15 online and at MDE.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions on Restorative Practices Trainings for information on how to register a group. If you have questions about navigating the registration site, contact Jolene King at Lakes Country Service Cooperative, 218-737-6521.
Build Your Knowledge
Practice builds knowledge, for each circle holds its own lessons. As you move through the summer months, consider this quote:
“Don't ask, ‘what's the problem?’ Ask, ‘what's the story?’ That way, you'll find out what the problem really is." – Richard Neustadt & Ernest May, Thinking in Time: The Uses of History for Decision-Makers.
This suggestion is useful in all kinds of settings: when a child comes in with a broken toy or skinned knee, when a relative seems agitated at a picnic, when your leadership team needs to address staffing challenges, when silence descends around the fire pit and no one wants to go in just yet. Starting with "what’s the story?" or as the restorative questions suggest, "What happened?" invites a narrative, a generous opening of space to share ideas and experiences. By asking that question of all in a circle, on the team, at the fire pit, multiple perspectives give color and depth to any topic. Make "what’s the story?" your summer question.
Resources
Let's Get Together: 2024 Minnesota School Safety Conference
June 26-27 at Normandale College in Bloomington, Minnesota. Sponsored by the Minnesota School Safety Center at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. For FAQs, a working agenda, and registration, visit the 2024 Minnesota School Safety Center Conference website. The conference is free. There is limited availability.
12th Annual Restoring Hope Circle Keeper's Summit
Register for Restoring Hope Circle Keeper's Summit, which is open to Circle Keepers for relaxation, rejuvenation and connection. Monday, September 30, at 3 p.m. through Thursday, October 3, at 3 p.m. The summit will take place at Timber Bay Camp, 18955 Woodland Rd, Onamia, MN 56359.
The Restoring Hope Circle Keeper’s Summit is coordinated by Sharon Hendrichs, 507-227-6858, and Julie Marthaler, 320-226-0586. Email them at restoringhopeconveners@gmail.com.
Ongoing Nonexclusionary Discipline 101 Offerings
An introductory-level discussion about what nonexclusionary discipline (NED) is, the importance of fostering a sense of belonging, and understanding “root causes” as a way to address behaviors.
National Association of Community and Restorative Justice Conference
The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) will be holding the 9th National Conference on Community and Restorative Justice, July 29-August 1, 2024, in Washington, DC. Registration details can be found on the NACRJ website.
Further Information
For further information about Restorative Practices, contact Grace Yang or Nancy Riestenberg, Minnesota Department of Education.
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