VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Be a Volunteer

​Our volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some are educators, while others are students. Some have worked in the criminal justice system, while others have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system. Many come to us with their own stories to share and others are simply frustrated with the status quo response to community conflict, crime, and inequities.
Many of our volunteers participate in Community Restorative Councils, conducting restorative conferences with juveniles and young adults referred by probation, schools, and the courts. However, our network of volunteer efforts offers so many other opportunities as well - we appreciate and have need of a wide array of talents, experience and skills. Some options include:
    •    Photographer
    •    Videographer
    •    Outreach ambassador
    •    Office assistant
What is your skill?

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​How does a Restorative Council Program Work?

A Community Restorative Council is a group of about 5 community volunteers trained in the principles and practices of restorative justice. The group commits to serve for a term of least one full year. Volunteers are mentored by Restorative Resources staff in the practices of restorative justice. Volunteers are offered ongoing educational and enrichment opportunities and are encouraged, with the support of Restorative Resources, to initiate and mentor new Councils. Since May 2012, Restorative Resources has recruited, trained and launched 9 Councils utilizing 45 Volunteers.

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COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOLUNTEER
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Our main volunteer pool, community council volunteers commit to a year of service. After completing the required training, volunteers are placed on a community council made up of four to five other volunteers. The councils meet twice a month in the evening for Restorative Conferences with juvenile and young adult offenders. Council members rotate between facilitating these conferences and representing the community. 

Training requirements: Introduction to Restorative Justice Training, Restorative Conference Training I and three observation sessions. Ongoing training available.

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SCHOOL CONFERENCE VOLUNTEER
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Volunteers trained in facilitating Restorative Conferences with daytime availability may choose to volunteer at various local sites while school is in session. Working in groups of three, volunteers facilitate and represent community for school discipline based incidents.

Training requirements: Introduction to Restorative Justice Training, Restorative Conference Training I, Schools Training, three observation sessions and participation in three Restorative Conferences.

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LISTENING CIRCLES VOLUNTEER
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Volunteers are trained to work in crisis events or other situations by facilitating community listening circles as a way to allow all parties to be heard. There is no commitment needed to be a listening circles volunteer; you will be contacted on an as-needed basis.

Training requirements: Introduction to Restorative Justice, Listening Circles Training

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH VOLUNTEER
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Volunteers represent Restorative Resources at group gatherings throughout the community. After developing a solid understanding of Restorative Practices and our agency, you will travel to various groups and organizations to share our agency video and lead a discussion forum afterwards. 

Training requirements: Introduction to Restorative Justice, Community Outreach Training and two presentation observations.