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Central Virginia Community Justice

What If?

• We believed that our community was wise enough to solve our own conflicts?

• We actually listened when survivors told us what they need?

• We provided a space where everyone could share their whole story?

• We helped people listen to one another with empathy?

• We gave people responsible for harm the choice to actually make a difference?

• We focused on healing and safety, rather than punishment and rules?

This is taking place, right here, right now, in our community. It’s called Restorative Justice, and it’s happening at CVCJ.

Vision

We envision an equitable and safe Central Virginia where members of our community find growth, healing, and accountability in restorative approaches to conflict and harm.

Mission

Central Virginia Community Justice provides a brave space for those involved in harm to lead their own accountability and healing. We facilitate restorative processes to divert cases away from the criminal system, as well as to repair harms outside of the system. Through dialogue, those impacted by harm have voice and agency to address their needs, and those responsible for harm have the opportunity to take accountability through actions and acknowledgement.

Values

Dignity

Dignity is innate respect for each human being. We offer one another kindness and curiosity. We give others voice and choice. Dignity means that as facilitators we are multi-partial: we tend to each person’s needs and seek positive outcomes for everyone. We speak up when we experience our own or another’s dignity being violated. We ask for what we need and set healthy boundaries.

Honesty

We recognize that transformation and healing happen when people honestly share their stories and experiences, and take the leap to step into others’ shoes. We also value transparency as an organization by being open with information, challenges, and areas for growth.

Interconnection

We believe that each of our experiences are intimately tied to one another’s. We seek to build bridges and find commonalities. We forge creative connections within our community that make us stronger in the face of joys and challenges. We build trust, which often takes time and patience. Within our organization we choose a collaborative leadership model.

Action

We believe that healing and safety come from honest dialogue that leads to transformative actions. We believe that accountability means “doing sorry” not just “being sorry.” As an organization, we are accountable to others by seeking feedback and making changes.

Healing

We recognize that deep healing is what will give our harmed participants the hope to move forward, and it is what will give our responsible participants the ability to make better choices. Safety is the foundation for healing. We believe that restorative practices are one of many intersecting responses that will bring our community toward healing.