About Us
The New Jersey Restorative Justice Network began in July 2020 when a handful of committed individuals from three organizations met for the first time to support each other’s efforts and promote restorative justice practices across New Jersey. Since our first event, a virtual panel in August 2020 in partnership with Unitarian Universalist Faith Action New Jersey, entitled Restorative Justice in New Jersey: Toward a Healing Approach in Schools and Communities, we have grown into a statewide organization with talented and dedicated members. Our work is currently focused on these four areas:
outreach to existing organizations that use practices of restorative justice
We reach out to programs and initiatives that currently use restorative practices in New Jersey. We invite them to be included in our New Jersey directory and to join the network.
public education about restorative justice
During previous monthly networking meetings, our members have facilitated virtual circles, a role-play of a community conference, and shared their expertise.
We are developing a series of virtual workshops to offer experiential learning about restorative justice and how it can be used at the personal, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. We hope to offer these publicly later in the year.
We encourage you to visit our resources page for personal or collective education on the topic of restorative justice.
legislation
In collaboration with the NJ Institute for Social Justice and youth justice advocates, we are lobbying to pass a bill currently in the New Jersey legislature, the Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youth and Communities Pilot Program (A4663/S2924). Two of our Co-Chairs, Retha Onitiri and Jessica Laus, have testified at hearings, and our members have show their support by submitting slips, testimonials, signing petitions, and calling their legislators.
In addition, Jessica Laus wrote an op-ed in support of the legislation and practices of restorative justice more broadly, published on February 3, 2021.
To support A4663/S2924, go here.
We are also following the implementation of the Restorative Justice in Education Pilot Program, approved and signed into law in January 2020.
website/social media/communications
Directly related to our educational and legislative initiatives, our website, social media presence and communications to members continue to amplify our impact and expand our reach.
Please reach out to us if you are interested in joining us in this work.