Event
AEU Assembly 2023 Restorative Justice Events and Trainings
June 27, 2023 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Important Update
We have made some updates to the RJ Training agenda to make it easier for you to attend. Rather than the RJ training requiring your attendance for both June 9th and 10th, you can now attend either June 9th or June 10th for a one-day training. (You may attend both if you feel so compelled, but the training will be the same on both days). The times are still 10-12:30 ET and 1-3 ET with a 30-minute break for lunch.
As a bonus, there will be an opportunity to get some consulting support from the RJ trainers on how to set up an RJ circle. More details to follow.
The RJ Trainers
David Yusem has 23 years of experience as a leader and practitioner in the field of conflict resolution and restorative justice. For the last 12 years, he has coordinated the Restorative Justice (RJ) movement at Oakland Unified School District. The RJ program at OUSD is considered a National model for the implementation of restorative practices in schools. Prior to working at OUSD, David managed the community mediation program at SEEDS and founded their restorative justice program. David has also initiated RJ pilot programs at the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center and Berkeley Unified School District. At OUSD, David supports the district-wide implementation of restorative justice practices as a model to relate, repair, and restore. David is committed to building caring, engaging, and equitable school communities and to the elimination of racial disparities in discipline.
Kyle McClerkins refers to himself as a son of Oakland. Before finding his passion for working with youth, Kyle held numerous jobs in the financial industry, including as a day trader. Kyle has worked in a variety of Oakland elementary, middle, and high schools. In 2009, he started contracting with Oakland Unified School District as a Conflict Mediator and later transitioned to work in the Restorative Justice unit. Since working as a RJ Facilitator, Kyle has been a High School Dean, leadership, and advisory teacher. Outside of school, he has partnered and consulted with multiple school districts across the United States, from the Los Angeles Unified School District to the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Currently, Kyle teaches a Restorative Practice class at a local Oakland High School. He has trained over 2000 participants in Restorative Practices. Occasionally Kyle works pro bono cases and facilitates Harm circles with victims and offenders. Kyle’s passion for his work largely stemmed from his two children.
Events
Intro to Restorative Justice Webinar – Wednesday, May 31 | 7-8:30 pm ET
In this 90-minute webinar, you will get a crash course on what restorative justice is, how it works, and why it’s useful. We recommend attending this webinar to determine your interest in the 2-day Restorative Justice Training. Attending this webinar is not required to attend the Restorative Justice Training.
Click here to watch the recording
Restorative Justice Circle Training – Friday, June 9th OR Saturday, June 10th | 10 am-12:30 ET, 30-min lunch break, 1-3 pm ET
The AEU hired two seasoned RJ Trainers, David Yusem and Kyle McClerkins, to provide a Zoom training and experience for you to be a part of on either June 9th OR June 10th. Participants will learn the underlying philosophy and effectiveness of Restorative Justice, the myriad of ways our communities have embraced RJ in schools and juvenile justice, and how to be a circle keeper for your Society and beyond. All are welcome to attend so please spread the word. Send any questions to rpfeffer@aeu.org and aovermann@aeu.org.
Local Restorative Justice Colloquies – Sunday, June 18
*This is not a meeting, this is a recommendation for your local Society to do.
Society members and Leaders who attend the RJ training are encouraged to bring what they learn back to their Societies and discuss how RJ could be useful in their Society within a colloquy format. We leave this to each Society to plan at their discretion*.
*Societies are encouraged to create their own colloquy questions about RJ, but here are some questions for inspiration:
- How might Restorative Justice be used in your Ethical Society?
- How might your Ethical Society make use of Restorative Justice in your community?
- What are some next steps you can take to use RJ in your Ethical Society?
RJ Meaning Making Workshop & Communities of Practice – Tuesday, June 27 | 7-8:30 pm ET
Following individual Society colloquies, we will hold a national workshop to reflect on Restorative Practice and to create a community of practice to commit to ongoing support and improvement using Restorative Justice within our Societies and community partnerships.
If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Pfeffer at rpfeffer@aeu.org.