Kevin Cheng

NEWS: Taking Circles Online In the wake of COVID-19 concerns, some restorative justice programs have started to offer assistance online over conferencing platforms like Zoom and WebEx. While Peacemakers know that the experience cannot be the same as when you are in the same room together, there are still conflicts in need of addressing so video-conference circles are being used as the best available option for the present time. The graphic below is the timeline… Read More »NEWS: Taking Circles Online

Canadian Attorney and Friend of IPI David G. Newman, Q.C., of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is featured in the recently published Supreme Advocacy article “Advice, and Urging, from a 50-year Lawyer in the Middle of Canada.” Newman’s call to action includes the admonition that western  hemisphere governments can and should work to right the wrongs of the past. This will benefit everyone, not just the descendants of the survivors of those wrongs. But doing so: “now… Read More »NEWS: Advice to Western Civil Societies, from a Long-term First Nations Ally

At this link, you can find a free webinar on the Little Book of Restorative Teaching Tools, sponsored by the Zehr Institute and presented by the authors, Lindsey Pointer and Kathleen McGoey of the Longmont (Colorado) Community Justice Partners program: Includes a wide ranging discussion on how restorative practices can have positive impacts in many different spheres of life and work, focusing on pedagogical approaches.

Cheyenne and Arapaho artist George Levi created this ledger art drawing to support efforts to act responsibly and protect each other. Thank you and please share this message!

Excellent 2017 article by Rebecca Clarren that features groundbreaking Tribal Court Judge Abbi Abinanti, and application of peacemaking principles in a domestic violence case. The article also discusses the court of IPI Advisoryc Committee member and Michigan state court judge Timothy Connors (along with a nice quote), features a quote from IPI Advisory Committee member Cheryl Fairbanks, and discusses the Kake, Alaska peacemaking program founded by IPI Advisory Committee member Mike Jackson. Click here for… Read More »NEWS: Native American Peacemaking Court Offers a Model for Reform

Please consider donating now to the Flicker Fund, which is raising and mobilizing funds to direct critical resources to the most vulnerable in our already challenged communities. The Flicker Fund provides direct grant support to stressed Indigenous communities on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, where some are already facing issues of hunger, lack of access to water, and unable to secure basic hygiene and material supplies needed for everyday life. Flicker Fund goes directly to Indigenous… Read More »NEWS: Donate to the Flicker Fund!

The 10th Annual International Cyber-Conference on Dispute Resolution is being held at California State University, Dominguez Hills in the Extended Education Auditorium on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Online attendance options are also available. The Cyber-Conference will deal with negotiations, conflict resolution, and peacemaking methods. Please download the promotional flyer for more information.

The sign at the new Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Court in Dowagiac, MI brings the prominence of peacemaking to all who pass by. Construction for the Peacemaking Center started in 2018 and took over 15 months to complete. The Pokagon Band of Powatomini Court & Peacemaking Center was opened on December 11, 2019 and contains a “healing fire room.” Thanks to IPI Advisory Committee Member and Pokagon Chief Judge Michael Petoskey for bringing attention… Read More »NEWS: Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribe’s Peacemaking Center Update

NEWS: Grant Opportunities for Supporting Native Youth and Culture Available For those interested, there are two grant opportunities available for supporting Native Youth and Culture. The Native Youth and Culture Fund Grant Opportunity offered by the First Nations Development Instituted which is intended “to partner with tribes, Native nonprofit organizations and Native community groups working in rural and reservation-based communities and seeking ways to preserve, strengthen and/or renew Native cultures and traditions among youth”. All… Read More »NEWS: Grant Opportunities for Supporting Native Youth and Culture Available

The University of California at Berkeley is currently searching for a Restorative Practices Project Analyst. Per the University of California, Berkeley’s job posting, job duties will include: Supporting the Center for Student Conduct’s (CSC) mission to administer the UC Berkeley Code of Student Conduct through equitable practices that promotes community-building and encourages mutual respect through the development of a robust alternative resolution process. Spearheading the CSC’s Restorative Education Practices and Initiative for Alternative Resolution (REPAIR).… Read More »NEWS: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY SEEKS RESTORATIVE PRACTICES PROJECT ANALYST

The International Peacemaking Conference previously scheduled for August 5-7, 2020 has been postponed until 2021 to allow for greater planning and further fundraising efforts. Please download the flyer below for additional information.

This very informative article from Ireland describes a recent lecture given by IPI Advisory Committee member Judge Timothy Connors during a visit to the homeland of his own ancestors. He described the shortcomings of Irish mediation standards, and the potential benefits of alternative approaches such as the peacemaking employed at his own Ann Arbor, MI court. Click here for the full article: https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/mediation-standards-in-ireland-fall-short-of-best-practice-seminar-hears/