Big Love for Community!

May 22, 2024

What a lovely evening we had on May 16 at Terrapin in Athens to celebrate our community! Brittany Lopez was a fantastic emcee. Thank you, Brittany!

This year GCC chose Dignidad Inmigrante en Athens (DIA) as our Spotlight Community Partner who will receive 10% of all donations from the event.

In addition to the fantastic libations on offer at Terrapin and delicious food from Homy Made, we heard from the Peace Leaders at Clarke Middle school, along with Matt Fayoyin, restorative practitioner on faculty at CMS. Peace Leaders are students who learn restorative practices and have the capacity and willingness to co-facilitate circles amongst their peers. Last year the Peace Leaders held 14 circles that helped their peers work through conflict in nonviolent and accountable ways.

We were also wowed by the performances of Beto Cacao with his brother Noe and Vic Chestnut 2024 finalist Mannequin Party (Spencer Paul) throughout the evening.

Thanks to several Athens-area business owners and private donors, a silent auction included art classes (K A Artist), spa treatments (Urban Sanctuary), fitness sessions (Creed and TransFit), a basket of hemp-based products (Franny's Farmacy), a 50 inch TV, framed art by Greg Benson, and more. And our generous financial sponsors Joiner and Associates, Pawtropolis, Hope Animal Medical Center, and the District Attorney, Western Circuit.

Thanks to everyone, and a special shout out to Russel and Lindsey at Terrapin Beer who so very well represent the epitome of community!

For more photos, click here.

other blogs and recommended reading

Bridger Middle School Improves Student Behaviors With Restorative Practices

Over the last school year, Bridger Middle School leaders decided to take a different approach to deal with the fighting and students acting out.

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Valley State First HBCU to Offer Prison College Program in Mississippi

Incarcerated people at two prisons in the Delta will be able to start earning four-year degrees from Mississippi Valley State University this fall for the first time in more than two decades.

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Regulating Restorative Justice: What Arbitration Teaches Us About Regulating The Restorative Process In Criminal Courts

This Note from Hope Harriman shares her introduction to Restorative Justice as a volunteer in Rwanda, her journey with the Restorative Justice Community Court in Chicago, and her opinions about possible regulations on restorative justice to ensure its success.

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At This Oakland High School, Restorative Justice Goes Far Beyond Discipline

Fremont High students are even helping young students engage in restorative justice practices.

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What GCC Means to Me

A parent shares how restorative practices enhanced his relationship with his child and students.

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What GCC Means to Communities in Schools Neighborhood Leader

One of Athens' awesome Communities-In-Schools Neighborhood Leaders gives talks about the utility of conflict work in his professional and personal life.

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