Criminal justice reform advocates are applauding a diversion program created to resolve the hundreds of felony cases that came out of the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020.

Schools that implemented Restorative Practices saw a staggering 35% reduction of student arrests in school, and a 15% reduction in out-of-school arrests (the University of Chicago Education lab).

This model of social and emotional learning emphasizes mutual aid, restorative justice and safety by design.

Here, Jodi Barnes talks about the importance of addressing conflict at work, and why employees should be empowered to help build a more resilient and productive work culture.

Former GCC Executive Director and current GCC Collaborator, John Lash, reflects on his time serving as a Circle Keeper and Restorative Justice educator over the first 5 cohorts of the Principles over Passion Program (PPP) at the Athens Clarke County Jail. PPP is led by Shane Sims, GCC Board Member and People Living in Recovery Executive Director. PPP is a structured 8-week course that supports jail inmates in recovery as they prepare for release as well as offering ongoing support once released. Participants live together in one cell block without oversight from a correctional officer. They participate in workshops ranging from addiction recovery, re-entry planning, artistic expression, workforce readiness, restorative justice and more.