The Conflict Transformers work with students, staff, and faculty at Franklin & Marshall to promote healing, accountability, and community building. The work of Restorative Practices informed by values and principles which emphasize the importance of involving those most affected in any given situation, the inherent worth of all individuals, and our interconnectedness. (adapted from UPenn)
Restorative Justice (RJ) is a way of addressing conflict and even crime that enables the person who caused the harm, people who were affected by the harm, and the community to create a meaningful solution.
In contrast to the traditional justice system which seeks to establish a punishment for each act of wrongdoing assuming that will contribute to victim and organizational satisfaction, RJ focuses on repairing damage and restoring relationships.
RJ is not a specific model, instead it is a set of principles that can be flexibly applied to a variety of situations of conflict, crime, abuse, etc. (from Community Justice Initiatives and Restorative Justice Exchange)
Please email conflicttransformers@fandm.edu or fill out this form. Our facilitators are trained to work with you to examine the issue and recommend possible ways of using restorative justice in the future.
Most people think conflict is a negative thing, but healthy conflict can result in growth, learning and understanding. It all depends on how you approach it. Conflict is normal, natural and critical to the development of a community. While conflict can be challenging and uncomfortable, there are ways to have difficult conversations and develop skills to serve you at Franklin & Marshall and beyond.
Conflict can be
Interpersonal: between two people
Intrapersonal: one person pulled in two ways
Intergroup: connected group like family or roommates
Intragroup: two separate groups
The circle is a powerful & dynamic symbol that implies connection, inclusion, fairness, and equality. A circle is a round-shaped figure that has no corners or edges and is non-hierarchical in its nature. Using a Circle Process allows "a dialogue process that works intentionally to create a safe and courageous space to discuss [sic] issues in order to improve relationships and resolve differences." (taken from Kay Pranis' "Circle Keeper Handbook.")
Circle process: Members of a group, team, movement, or community are all comfortably seated in a circle. Everyone is invited to participate and all voices are considered equally important. The structure is simple with a beginning (opening, introductions, check-in), middle (speaking about the topic), and an end (closing and check-out). Conversation is structured around a series of questions. Every participant will have a chance to speak to each question without interruption. Circles use a talking piece which is passed from person to person, to designate who can speak at that moment—and who is listening (everyone else).
Belonging or Community Circle
Restorative/Healing Circle
Celebration
Support
Accountability
Reintegration
This process uses the framework of Dr. Bruce Perry’s 3 R’s of “neurosequential” trauma-informed engagement to:
Regulate – de-escalating with the other,
Relate – building an empathic connection,
Reason – helping them to discern options,
Restore – making a plan to address the conflict/harm.
1-to-1 Restorative Conflict Engagement for Trauma-Informed Leaders (CCC 2.0)