Restorative Justice is infiltrating schools all over the country! The premise is that when kids learn how to resolve conflicts through dialogue, they gain respect for each other creating a healthier, happier and safer learning environment. A think tank of kids, ranging from age 8 to 16, from all over New Orleans called, Rethinkers got together this summer to learn more about Restorative Justice, and now they want to bring it to their hometown! They realized that they need an appropriate place to learn how to disagree nonviolently. What better place than in the heart of a garden, in a Reconciliation Circle? Heavy Meadow had a terrific time working pro-bono with the Rethink kids to design a Reconciliation Circle. Here, at Langston Hughes Elementary School, nestled into a tropical jungle, with babbling water and wind chimes to soothe the senses will be a circle where the curtains can be pulled down on the sides of the pavilion (designed in collaboration with Thaddeus Zarse) , where a small group of kids, parents and teachers will find their way to solutions.
Check out this video! The Rethinkers will tell you all about Restorative Justice and plans for the Reconciliation Circle.
