Learn about RJ and Meet New York’s RJ Community
Here’s the latest information about Restorative Justice happening in New York. Know about something you want us to share? Contact us.
RJI Recruiting Board Members
Restorative Justice Initiative (RJI) is looking to add 2-3 new members to our Board of Directors in April 2022 to serve 3-year terms.
Practitioner Spotlight – John Ducksworth
John Ducksworth was born in Harlem, USA attending the New York City Public school system. He has acquired an Associate Degree from Dutchess Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from State University of New York, a Master’s Degree in Professional Studies from New York Theological Seminary with a concentration in counseling and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a concentration in management and organization.
Testimony at New York City Council Budget Hearing
On Wednesday, May 24th, RJI’s Senior Coordinator of Training and Youth Programming, Anooj Bhandari, testified at a New York City Council budget hearing. The hearing (held via videoconference) began at 10:00AM and public testimony stretched late into the night. Anooj described the night as “stressful” and repetitive testimony about police abuse as “heartbreaking.” Some of the young people said that they had to miss their final exams in order to testify.
Practitioner Spotlight – Camille Jacobs
Camille Jacobs is a progressive educator, restorative thought leader, and agent for social change. Her empathy and introspection are the driving force behind her new and imaginative approaches to building strong and healthy communities. Currently serving as an Assistant Principal in New York City, Camille has spent the last sixteen years advocating for students with a niche in finding creative and restorative ways when helping young people succeed.
Citywide Roundtable on Restorative Approaches
On February 10th, 2023 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM in Long Island City, Queens, Restorative Justice Initiative (RJI) and the Roundtable Leadership Council hosted the 5th Citywide Roundtable on Restorative Approaches, in collaboration with the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution at OATH; the New York City Commission on Human Rights; Project Hajra; Sahki for South Asian Women; MoMA PS1; Malikah; Queens Community Justice Center, and Community Capacity Development. The day marked the first Citywide Roundtable held in-person since January 2020, and the first Citywide Roundtable held in Queens. The well-known cultural institution, MoMA PS1, served as host and Cosponsor.
Practitioner Spotlight – Cecilia B. Loving
Every few months we will feature an interview with a restorative practitioner to uplift the folks doing the work on the ground in our communities, highlight original and emerging applications for restorative justice, and provide a better understanding of restorative practices as applied in different contexts. First up, we have Cecilia B. Loving!
Grief and Grieving Circle
Join practitioner Leslie Short and the RJI Community for our next Community Circle and Conversation on Grief and Grieving happening Tuesday, March 7th, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET. This session will focus on care for the self in times of grieving, beyond the five stages...
5th Citywide Roundtable on Restorative Practices
After a year-long hiatus, we’re thrilled to announce that the Citywide Roundtable on Restorative Approaches is back! Registration is now open for the 5th Citywide Roundtable in Long Island City, Queens on February 10th, 2023. The Citywide Roundtable is a day-long,...
A Movement is a Garden
But at RJI, we are committed to sustaining an ecosystem for many types of restorative practices in NYC to spread. This means supporting dozens of organizations and hundreds of local restorative justice leaders.
Grief and Grieving Community Building Circles
“I exist somewhere between the pain of your death and the joy of your life”. -Author Unknown
Restorative Justice Initiative is offering two community building circles for our network on Grief and Grieving.