Men As Peacemakers

What are Restorative Practices?

Restorative Justice is a term describing an alternative measure of dealing with crime and conflict than our traditional punitive model. It is a philosophy that recognizes the importance and power of human relationships. Crime and any other offense or disruptive behavior is about causing harm to people; harm that affects relationships directly and then ripples out, affecting many more. Because the emphasis is on building, strengthening and repairing relationships, on the interconnectedness of community and on the core values people share with one another, this Restorative paradigm reaches beyond crime and the Criminal Justice System. It finds a place in schools, the workplace, communities and families. The term used to describe this wider paradigm is Restorative Practice.

Men as Peacemakers has become a central hub of Restorative Practice in the Duluth area. We facilitate difficult dialogues concerning divisive issues and support the reparation of harm caused by crime and violence. Through the Circle Process, we create safe space for people to heal and to rebuild relationships that have been broken. In collaboration with Arrowhead Regional Corrections, St. Louis County Victim Services, SOAR Careers and Duluth Public Schools, Men as Peacemakers provides a number of Restorative programs. We also provide education and training opportunities to organizations and schools, encouraging people and supporting opportunities for them to be involved in Restorative work in their communities.