Our Next Generation Hosts Community Conferencing Training
Apr 16th, 2010
Executive Director Robert Dunn warmly welcomed the group of 22 trainees to Our Next Generation on 35th & Lisbon, one of Safe & Sound’s newest funded Safe Places. He and his staff provided facilities and assistance for a two day restorative justice training sponsored by Safe & Sound and held by the District Attorney’s Community Conferencing program.
Trainees included block club captains, community organizers, teens and youth development staff. The facilitators training group included police officers and community prosecutors for the first time. This diverse group made for one of the most dynamic trainings to date. Working with offenders, victims and their families can be extremely difficult. The restorative approaches taught by ADA David Lerman and Program Director Erin Katzfey enlightened and inspired those in attendance. It is a unique training which builds community as it builds understanding of restorative practices.
When participants were asked to reflect on the training many offered comments which demonstrate the power of Community Conferencing. One officer had the realization that victims’ stories can have a meaningful and lasting impact on offenders. A community prosecutor was moved emotionally by the power of the interactive role plays and hopes to begin referring cases to the program. Another youth worker found value in the technique for dealing with infractions and harm caused within her center. Overall, the value of the two day training was undeniable.
The training was organized by Safe & Sound Restorative Justice Coordinator Joel Brenord. It is just one of several youth and adult trainings that have been offered in recent months in efforts to create greater understanding of the broad impacts of crime and teach strategies for community members to be an integral part of the solution.
