CURRENT NEWS STORIES
How To Create A Drama-Free Work EnvironmentNorthBay Biz, September, 2018 Issue
By Vicky Ness Morale is down. Rumors are flying. Everyone seems to be unhappy, but nobody wants to step forward and talk about it. So how do you turn that around?
Begin with a more restorative approach to your workplace environment, based on attributes of inclusion, equity, mutual respect and personal accountability. At the core of this practice is what is known as “restorative dialogue”— a conversation that ensures all voices are heard and issues are addressed with honesty and compassion. At Restorative Resources, a Sonoma County nonprofit dedicated to creating respectful and productive dialogue models, the following process creates a simple, solution given one-on-one discussion. In the case of a more complex group meeting, you might need a trained third party who can facilitate fairly. So, how do you lead restorative dialogue? Here are a few simple steps to help you get started and manage conflict. Read the full article HERE. 
Racial Justice Allies of Sonoma CountyPower, The Myth of Meritocracy,
and the Question of Justice By Chad Bolla I was once asked by the parent of a 4th grade student I was working with, “how do you intend to define justice for the young people in circle?” ...
Read Chad's full blog HERE. 
The Press DemocratClose to Home:
A rite of passage for troubled youth By Vicky Ness A new generation of social activists are rising in Sonoma County and across the country. The insight, passion and individual gifts they have to offer is, of course, invaluable if we are to continue to grow and thrive in our community. But many of our youth have been marginalized and, in the process, have forgotten their own intrinsic value and the important place they hold in society. They have, in effect, been silenced. A new rite of passage might be in order to help guide and support all our youth but most especially those who may be affected by toxic effects of discrimination or violence and, as a result, are at risk of causing further harm to their community and themselves.
So what would a new rite of passage look like for those youth who are struggling? Read the full article HERE. 
KRCB Public RadioAn interview with Maria with Steve Mencher at 91.1 FM:
(If you particularly want to listen it's on 6:18 and 8:18 AM (Morning Edition) and 5:30 PM (All Things Considered) Listen to the interview HERE. 
Beatrice Camacho was the feature story in the March edition of La Voz, the bilingual newspaper that serves Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Mendocino and Lake counties. You’ll find the story on page one: HERE KOWS (92.5FM)
Chad Bolla and Mick Gardner and the Windsor Bloco dance and percussionist group were featured in an hour show spanning two radio programs on KOWS (92.5FM) on Friday, March 2: LISTEN HERE Gazette: Restorative Resources for Community Healing
A circle of love begins and ends with community joining hands. “Sonoma Strong”- our county-wide response to a crisis - has been a powerful example of what happens when we join hands and face our challenges together. It will take courage, commitment and mutual respect to keep that bond vital throughout our community going forward... Continue reading HERE. 2nd Annual LGBTQI Family Formation SymposiumWe were thrilled to be a part of the 2nd Annual LGBTQI Family Formation Symposium at the Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) facilities. It was a full day of education, advocacy and community building, including an amazing lineup of speakers. We were able to interact with all ages of attendees, because both parents-to-be and existing LGBTQI families came to the event and were eager to hear about our work. https://www.facebook.com/NorthBay Los Cien State of Latino Education in Sonoma CountyOur staff attended the Los Cien State of Latino Education in Sonoma County luncheon on Friday, January 26.! It was inspiring and motivating to hear Diann Kitamura, current superintendent of Santa Rosa City schools, Dr. Judy Sakaki, president of Sonoma State University, and Dr. Frank Chong, president of Santa Rosa Junior College speak on important topics affecting or Latino students and more! Great mention of Restorative Practices being a focus for SRCS!
Press Democrat:
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Press Democrat writer Kerry Benefield observed Restorative Resources in action and interviewed one of our program graduates whose expulsion was overturned by the Santa Rosa School Board.
Here are the two stories: |
SoCo Board of Supervisors:
Gold Resolution Ceremony
On March 8, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors adopted a Gold Resolution "commending Restorative Resources for their service to Sonoma County schools and youth." It was a wonderful opportunity to show our county-wide collaboration between schools, Sonoma State University, law enforcement, community-based organizations, community volunteers, and our county and state government.
La Voz: Restorative Resources
in the Latino Community
Check out the La Voz cover stories spotlighting the work of Restorative Resources in the Latino community and a profile of Karym Sanchez.
News: Restorative Justice
embraced by Sonoma State
Two SSU psychology students teamed up with Restorative Resources to host a campus forum on restorative justice.
Check out the Sonoma Star story here.
Check out the Sonoma Star story here.
Restorative Radio
New restorative podcast series
The Metta Center for NonViolence invited Restorative Resources director Susan Kinder to talk about our program on their latest podcast. Listen below, as Susan points out how restorative justice is really about us "being human together."
KRCB series on
Restorative Resources
County Approves $200k for Restorative Practices
On March 15, 2016, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $200,000 for Restorative Practices initiatives as part of the final funding for the recommendations from the CALLE (Community and Local Law Enforcement) Task Force.
The first initiative provides $100K in seed financing for the Sonoma County Office of Education to lead a countywide Restorative Practices program in our county schools.
The second $100,000 CALLE initiative is for Restorative Dialogue circles in 7th and 8th grade classes across Sonoma County.
This landmark vote on the part of our Board of Supervisors reflects the community-wide growth and support for the powerful possibilities of the practices and principles of Restorative Justice. We thank all of you who support the work of Restorative Justice for helping make this dream a reality!
The first initiative provides $100K in seed financing for the Sonoma County Office of Education to lead a countywide Restorative Practices program in our county schools.
The second $100,000 CALLE initiative is for Restorative Dialogue circles in 7th and 8th grade classes across Sonoma County.
This landmark vote on the part of our Board of Supervisors reflects the community-wide growth and support for the powerful possibilities of the practices and principles of Restorative Justice. We thank all of you who support the work of Restorative Justice for helping make this dream a reality!
Sonoma County Gazette:
Building a Restorative Community
For a concise overview of restorative justice concepts and our goals in the community - read the story here.
Press Democrat: Year-End Restorative Justice Stats in SR Schools
Our "Close to Home" op-ed in the Press Democrat shows the success of restorative programs in Santa Rosa schools.
New Study: Restorative Justice Pilot Programs Evaluated in SR Schools
Sonoma State criminology professor Pat Jackson recently completed a study of the restorative justice programs at Cook Middle School and Elsie Allen High School.
He cites a continued drop in expulsions and suspensions and an overall positive change in school climate at both institutions. Jackson also notes how "students from both schools appeared to appreciate the change in management of discipline. One said that before restorative justice came, administrators 'would just ask the teacher what happened...Sometimes they wouldn’t even ask me.'" Here's a summary of the study.
He cites a continued drop in expulsions and suspensions and an overall positive change in school climate at both institutions. Jackson also notes how "students from both schools appeared to appreciate the change in management of discipline. One said that before restorative justice came, administrators 'would just ask the teacher what happened...Sometimes they wouldn’t even ask me.'" Here's a summary of the study.
Cook Middle School
Memorial Garden
Restorative Resources staff joined with students, teachers and community members to plant a garden in memory of Andy Lopez and others who have been lost at Cook Middle School.
Students United for Restorative Justice
Inspired by the work at Restorative Resources, a group of pioneering Santa Rosa High student leaders has created SURJ - Students United for Restorative Justice. Check out their Facebook page to view the video produced by student filmmaker Sunce Franicevic.
Press Democrat: SR School Board
approves $125k pilot program with Restorative Resources
The Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education voted to approve a contract with Restorative Resources to fund a pilot program for restorative justice suspension diversion at Elsie Allen High School and Cook Middle School.
Read the Press Democrat story and a great Press Democrat editorial.
Read the Press Democrat story and a great Press Democrat editorial.
Restorative Justice Summit a Huge Success
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Over a hundred of the most influential leaders in Sonoma County gathered Feb. 21 at the Hilton in Santa Rosa to show their support and discuss how to expand restorative practices in the region. Along with Restorative Resources, Sonoma County Supervisors Mike McGuire and Shirlee Zane hosted the event that included educators, mayors, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, police chiefs and officers, sheriff's deputies, probation officers, county administrators, nonprofit executive directors, school board members, social activists and many more.
After several inspirational speeches, the group watched two short films - one on restorative justice in schools and another on the Restorative Resources adult pilot program. After each film, tables convened in roundtable discussions and then shared their findings with the larger group.
The overall reaction was resounding support for the pilot programs and for expanding their reach. The next step will be to clearly define how each entity will play a unique role in supporting and fostering restorative justice in Sonoma County.
After several inspirational speeches, the group watched two short films - one on restorative justice in schools and another on the Restorative Resources adult pilot program. After each film, tables convened in roundtable discussions and then shared their findings with the larger group.
The overall reaction was resounding support for the pilot programs and for expanding their reach. The next step will be to clearly define how each entity will play a unique role in supporting and fostering restorative justice in Sonoma County.