Men As Peacemakers

RESTORATIVE CULTURE IN SCHOOL

 

Building a restorative culture in a school is about doing things with students, rather than to them or for them. Restorative practice seeks to enhance relationships among students, faculty, administrators, and parents, and to build a sense of community in the school. Research indicates that students attending schools with a restorative culture perform better academically, have higher rates of attendance and fewer incidents of violence and misbehavior.

Restorative discipline measures hold young people accountable for their behavior, but in a way that is supportive and respectful, not punitive or demeaning. The emphasis in restorative discipline is on active involvement in repairing the harm done, rather than on passive acceptance of punishment.

Our programs for students provide students with the skills and opportunities to engage in difficult conversations and to resolve conflict in a positive, restorative manner.

Girls Restorative Program

Men as Peacemakers, in partnership with Central High School, is offering weekly girls groups and support to girls during the school day and beyond. The initiative includes the implementation of gender-specific services for high risk girls in high school. Research shows that a girl's connection with others is the central factor in her psychological development, and the quality of her connections to others determines her overall psychological health. Our Girls Restorative Program at Central High School provides an inclusive and confidential space where girls can create authentic, supportive relationships while exploring their identities, building resiliency and completing high school.

Group objectives include fostering resiliency, encouraging moral reasoning, establishing entitlement, building community and a sense of belonging and enhancing leadership skills

Listen to a radio interview from the Central High Girl's Group

Student Introduction to Restorative Practice (SIRP)

(Formerly the Ninth Grade Restorative Practices Circle Training)

At the beginning of each new school year, Men as Peacemakers will partner with local schools to introduce students to the concepts of building restorative culture in their school. In the past MAP has provided this introductory training to ninth graders, but the program is easily adaptable to all ages. The goals of the program include: acquainting students with the concepts of Restorative Measures, specifically as used in the school community; providing students with skills in resolving conflict in a positive, restorative manner; and providing students with exposure to the Circle Process as a tool of Restorative Practice. This program familiarizes students with the process, making them more comfortable when teachers wish to utilize the Circle Process for classroom check-ins, to resolve conflict, or for any other reason.

Students undergoing this introductory training will be equipped to use the circle process to resolve conflict without having to resort to suspensions (in-school or out-of-school) and be able to use the Circle Process in classrooms (or in after-school groups) to facilitate difficult discussions or situations. Students will also be able to utilize the Circle Process for re-entry after a suspension.