What is the Chicago Day of Healing?

Chicago Day of Healing provides a space for us to share our experiences, feelings, and needs in the context of the violence and trauma here in Chicago.  On December 8, 2010 we invite communities across Chicago to come together for healing and peace.

Peacemaking circles will be available to young people, parents, neighbors, elders, educators, law enforcement, journalists, and concerned community members as a way for us to start healing and address the violence in our schools and our neighborhoods.

Take time for change on December 8th in our campaign to bring peace to Chicago.

Find a circle near you.

Join our Facebook community or follow us on Twitter!

**For more information about Restorative Justice please take a look at our Resources page.

What are peace-making circles?

Peace circles, which have their roots in the practices and tribal wisdom of Native Americans, are circles of equals who meet to discuss matters of significance in their communities. They have slowly taken hold in modern criminal justice systems, especially juvenile justice systems, and in schools around the world. They are part of a broad concept known as restorative justice, which seeks to build stronger, more trusting and connected schools, neighborhoods and cities.

“One of the most important contributions of Circles is the strengthened web of relationships among a group of people.  It may be in a classroom, neighborhood, workplace, family of faith group.  As people sit together, talk about values, share personal stories, and work through disagreements in an atmosphere of respect and caring, they weave strong cords of connection among themselves.  Those connections increase the community’s capacity to take care of all its members and to find solutions when problems arise” –Kay Pranis, “The Little Book of Circle Processes: A New/Old Approach to Peacemaking.”

What is restorative justice?

Restorative justice is a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by crime and conflict. It places decisions in the hands of those who have been most affected by a wrongdoing, and gives equal concern to the victim, the offender, and the surrounding community. Restorative responses to crime and conflict, such as peace-making circles, are designed to repair the harm, heal broken relationships, and address the underlying reasons for the offense.

Restorative justice emphasizes the importance of both individual accountability and collective accountability. Individuals are responsible for choices they make resulting in harm to others, but collectives at the neighborhood, city, county, state and national level are responsible for social conditions which increase the likelihood of crime. Crime and conflict generate opportunities to build community and increase grassroots power when restorative practices are employed.

For more information on restorative justice and peacemaking circles see:

www.IBARJI.org
www.restorativejustice.org
www.rocainc.org
www.therestorativeway.org
www.livingjusticepress.org

Request or Register your circle today!

For more information about Chicago Day of Healing circles, click the “Circles Information” tab at the top of this page.