Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda is to offer restorative practices facilitator training to members of the public in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission.

There will be two, one-day workshops titled: Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively.

The workshops will be held at the HRC, Milner Place, Victoria Street in Hamilton on two Saturdays in February.

The training will be with a licensed trainer under the auspices of the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP) www.iirp.edu.

Two books are provided for the training: The Restorative Practices Handbook and Restorative Circles.

Restorative practices has its origins in restorative justice, which offers a way to repair harm done to people, communities and relationships rather than only punishing offenders. It has origins in ancient indigenous practices employed in cultures around the world.

Carolyn Boyes-Watson at Suffolk University’s Center for Restorative Justice defines restorative practice as “a growing social movement to institutionalise peaceful approaches to harm, problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights.”

Dr Boyles continued: “These range from international peacemaking tribunals such as the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission to innovations within the criminal and juvenile justice systems, schools, social services and communities.

“Rather than privileging the law, professionals and the state, restorative resolutions engage those who are harmed, wrongdoers and their affected communities in search of solutions that promote repair, reconciliation and the rebuilding of relationships.

“Restorative justice seeks to build partnerships to reestablish mutual responsibility for constructive responses to wrongdoing within our communities. Restorative approaches seek a balanced approach to the needs of the victim, wrongdoer and community through processes that preserve the safety and dignity of all.”

The courses may interest those working in education, the criminal justice system, social services, youth services, faith communities, human resources, counselling, leadership, charitable work, workplace conflict and the business environment as well as other fields. Restorative practice training aims to impart practical knowledge and skills that can be used to help resolve conflict, mediate problems, strengthen relationships and build community.

Anyone wishing to take their training further can take an advanced course later in the year. Those who complete the training will be entered in the IIRP database so as they become more advanced, they can work towards their own training license, Graduate Certification or Master’s Degree with the IIRP. This training can also be used for continuing education credit.

The two-day training costs $300. Funding will be sought to assist with the cost of anyone willing to volunteer as assistant facilitators for the Bermuda Truth and Reconciliation Community Conversations (TRCC) and who have some knowledge or experience in the social justice/racial justice arena.

Anyone interested can e-mail admin@uprootingracism.org or call 505-0112 if interested. The course will be offered for up to 20 people.

Programme details:

Day 1: Introduction to Restorative Practices

Learn practical strategies to build strong, healthy relationships with students, families, clients, employees and colleagues. Interactive experiences bring you to a full understanding of the fundamental unifying premise of restorative practices — that people are happier, more co-operative and productive and more likely to make positive changes in their lives when those in positions of authority do things with them rather than to them or for them.

Day 2: Using Circles Effectively

Holding group discussions in a circle helps to facilitate meaningful conversation and encourages full participation from everyone involved. Through video, practice and discussion, participants identify reliable methods for using circles to build community, establish norms and address behaviour and relationships. Useful in any setting from education and other human services to organisational management.