Reclaiming Connection and Responsibility for Our Neighbors

What is the role and responsibility of the community when it is involved in a restorative process? This Little Book aims to expand upon the roles and responsibilities of community stakeholders in healing and repairative approaches to justice. Whether family members, friends, neighbors, concerned citizens, or system actors, the range of needs, obligations, and opportunities to engage with restorative justice processes is vast and deserving of greater attention. In this Little Book, Sheryl Wilson and Caitlin Morneau draw on experience in restorative justice facilitation, education, community organizing, and leadership in movement building to illuminate pathways that invite, expand, and sustain restorative justice engagement. The authors offer reflection, analysis, and considerations for community member support and inclusion in restorative justice processes and movement building. This book is for the secondary victims of harm (witnesses or bystanders) who may not understand where they fit in the space of harm repair. This book is also for those in support of a person who caused harm and needs guidance on where they fit. Lastly, this book is for those in close proximity to harmful events and care about those who occupy the same space. As a community, there are ways people mobilize in organized groups when things go wrong, but what about when things are going right? How can we be good neighbors, co-workers, colleagues, and friends, so that when we do face challenges, we have a good starting place?