Tuesday March 10, 6:30pm – 8pm

Presented in partnership with the Tom Tom Foundation, The Courage to Repair asks a simple but profound question: What if courage meant facing harm with empathy, accountability, and a willingness to heal?

In this interactive workshop, Erin Campbell of Central Virginia Community Justice (CVCJ) will introduce restorative frameworks and practices that strengthen both individuals and the communities they’re part of. Participants will learn how slowing down, listening deeply, and honoring everyone’s humanity can transform conflict into connection.

CVCJ’s restorative justice model is used innovatively by Charlottesville and Albemarle’s criminal legal systems to divert cases away from the courtroom. In these circles, those who’ve been harmed can name what they need to heal, while those responsible for harm take action and accountability. The results are powerful: reduced trauma, deeper empathy, lower rates of reoffending, and safer, more compassionate communities.

Participants will explore how a punitive response to harm and conflict is engrained in us, but how restorative justice responses will often bring us more repair, safety and healing. This hands-on session will incorporate journaling, pair sharing, and if time, circle process–a structured form of sharing which slows down the conversation and equalizes participants. Together, we’ll ask: What does it mean to be courageous enough to repair?

Click here to register!

Thur. Nov. 20 5:00-7:00pm @ Kardinal Hall (722 Preston Ave. Charlottesville VA)

Grab a drink, order your favorite Kardinal Hall fare, and join us to celebrate Restorative Justice Week – all while supporting justice and accountability in Central Virginia. This is a family friendly event.

Thanks to the generosity of Kardinal Hall, 10% of all sales during this event will benefit CVCJ, helping us provide alternatives to incarceration and create pathways for healing after harm.

Thur. Nov. 20 8:30-10:00am

Join us for an intimate discussion of what it’s really like to participate in a restorative justice process, with those who have been there. Moderated by Doron Samuel-Siegel, Professor of Law at University of Richmond, this conversation will give attendees a chance to peek inside some real restorative processes. 

This event is free and open to the public; registration is required.

Many thanks to WTJU for providing the space for this event, and to Carpe Donut for providing donuts!

Tue. Nov. 18, 5:30-8:00pm

In this interactive session, Central Virginia Community Justice will introduce restorative frameworks and practices that can strengthen us as individuals and as an interconnected community. 

CVCJ’s restorative justice services divert cases away from Albemarle & Charlottesville courtrooms so that crime and harms can be addressed directly by those most impacted. People who have been harmed ask for what they need to heal, and those who are responsible for harm grow by taking action and accountability. Facilitators Erin & Bianca will share some stories of CVCJ’s powerful work, and how, when we are treated with dignity and given space to reflect, we are all more willing to step into accountability and empathy. 

This workshop is offered free and open to the public; registration is required. Click here to register. Many thanks to the McGuffey Art Center for providing the space for this event!

Please join The Humanization Project on Facebook Live for 2 sessions highlighting restorative justice:

• Sunday May 4 8pm: Those Repairing Harm/Having Harm Repaired

• Sunday May 18 8pm: Community Benefits (featuring CVCJ Co-Director, Ashley)

If you have never been in your local jail, now is the time. This tour, led by Col Martin Kumer, superintendent of the jail, will offer a glimpse at conditions in the jail. The Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail was built in 1974 and currently houses about 230 people who are awaiting trial or serving sentences not long enough for a larger prison. This eye opening tour and discussion of mental health, rehabilitation, and re-entry will help local residents aiming to increase empathy and understanding for those returning to society.

Following the tour, Central Virginia Community Justice will facilitate a reflection on the experience, and an introduction to how CVCJ is offering restorative justice as an alternative to incarceration. These sessions are offered as part of the 13th annual Tom Tom Festival, in collaboration with Equal Justice USA.

• There will be 6 tours – 3 on Wed. 4/16 and 3 on Thur. 4/17
• Morning Session: 9:30 am – 11:30 am 
• Afternoon Session: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
• Evening Session: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Each jail tour is limited to 8 participants and registration is required. To register for the Jail Tour, please go to this SignUpGenius page.