West Virginia Restorative Justice Project Celebrates Restorative Justice Week 2024
West Virginia Restorative Justice Project Celebrates Restorative Justice Week 2024
For my regular followers, you know that I am quite passionate about Restorative Justice. I had the great pleasure of participating in the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project’s celebration of Restorative Justice Week 2024 with concurrent community-building talking circles held throughout the Mountain State. As with most projects, our all-volunteer advisory group takes a hands-on role in all events, and this was no exception as we all switched into action to be sure the event was well organized. It paid off!
On November 20, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., community members gathered in seventeen locations ranging from university settings like the WVU Law School and the Shepherd University Theater to an art venue at the Love Hope Center for the Arts in Oak Hill. Other venues included community libraries, the West Virginia Healing Home in Lewisburg, and the Berkeley County Recovery Resource Center in Martinsburg. Locations ranged from larger cities such as Charleston and Clarksburg to smaller towns like Marlinton and Buckhannon. I joined the circle at the Marinoff Theater in Shepherdstown and was very excited to be joined by staff members from Shepherd, students, and community leaders.
I had the pleasure of being the circle keeper at the event at Shepherd University. One of our participants included Marti Unger, executive director of a non-profit group, grAce, who work primarily with community-based recovery coaches. She was a collaborator with me on one of the early projects of WVRJP, the RJ initiative in the NDWV federal drug court.
Event Highlights
All talking circles were convened by local site coordinators who planned for the space, brought refreshments, tested the technology, and set up the circles. These coordinators were joined by circle keepers who have previously worked with the WVRJP and are trained in Restorative Justice and Circle Keeping.
The event began with a period for snacking and visiting. Afterward, all venues logged on to a live presentation by the WVRJP Advisory Group, which covered the basics of Restorative Justice, the structure of the talking circle, and the WVRJP. Following the presentation, each site’s coordinator and keeper introduced themselves to the full audience.
A Unified Experience Across West Virginia
After the initial Zoom call, site coordinators facilitated local training circles with identical discussion topics. All sites adhered to the same guidelines and employed a talking piece, which helps structure conversations.
A shared centerpiece was used in each circle, featuring items that provided a focal point for participants. This centerpiece included an antique Americana Fostoria candleholder, a piece commonly manufactured in West Virginia in the early 20th century and typical in local households. It also featured scraps of paper with values identified and discussed by participants, which framed their circles or reflected their community involvement. A photo of several centerpieces is attached to this post.
These initiatives continue to strengthen trust and connections within communities across West Virginia by creating spaces for honest dialogue and shared values.
Building Momentum for the Future
All locations had a centerpiece with the same elements, but each took their own form when participants added slips of paper with values they bring to being part of a community.
The West Virginia Restorative Justice Project began in 2020 and is dedicated to collaborating with the people of West Virginia to explore how restorative justice can enhance communities and institutions. Since its inception, the WVRJP has conducted several trainings involving educational and judicial systems in Greenbrier County. In 2023, the Project collaborated with the West Virginia Bar Foundation to provide training on re-entry circles as part of an initiative in the Drug Court of the Northern District of West Virginia. This program aimed to offer opportunities for Restorative Justice Dialogues and Circles of Support and Accountability for participants.
In June 2024, the Project hosted its first West Virginia Restorative Justice Summit at West Virginia Wesleyan College, attracting over 120 participants. Attendees shared their work in restorative justice and explored growth opportunities together. After experiencing the success of the Community Building Circles, it is anticipated that this event will be held annually.
Upcoming Opportunities
The Project also organizes periodic webinars on topics related to restorative justice. A webinar is planned for February 2025.
In June 2025, the WVRJP will sponsor a Restorative Justice Skill Building Institute at the West Virginia University College of Law. This full-day event will feature two prominent leaders in the restorative justice field and provide hands-on training for attendees in circle-keeping and restorative justice dialogue. Details will be announced by February, and the WVRJP is committed to keeping costs low and providing for opportunities for participants to join without being precluded due to funding.
The Project also provides training on request and can supply trained facilitators for community discussions. For cases accepted by the Project for direct services, the associated fees are covered.
Stay Connected
If you have questions or want to be involved with the project, please contact me. I’m always happy to discuss Restorative Justice. To read more about the event, see photos, and find reviews click here.