Info on Training and Resources on Restorative Justice in MN from Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute and Restorative Justice Community Action
From Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute and Restorative Justice Community Action:
What does community well-being mean to you? When you or others in your community feel a lack of connection or a sense of belonging, it can lead to several challenges. These challenges may manifest in feelings of isolation, overwhelm, disempowerment, and distrust.
Adopting or deepening a restorative mindset can significantly enhance communication, empathy, and connection. It empowers us to engage in meaningful conversations, appreciate diverse viewpoints, and build trust and mutual support.
We have personally seen the value of being with each other in this way. RJCA assists those impacted by harm and has facilitated more than 7,000 community conferences and circles over 25 years. MN Peacebuilding has provided training to over 16,000 individuals about trauma awareness, self care for resilience, racial healing and restorative justice principles for over 13 years.
We believe in this work. Today, we want to address a few of the valuable questions you've shared with us after our last email.
Some of you asked about ways that Minnesota is elevating restorative justice. Grassroots efforts and collaboration among many have allowed us to advance restorative measures in several key ways:
- Community-Based Programs: Many look to Minnesota as a leader in restorative practices. Grassroot efforts are envisioning and fueling the work of community organizations and individual practitioners across the state.
- Implementation in Schools: Several schools in Minnesota have adopted restorative practices as an alternative to the traditional punitive disciplinary response.
- Restorative Justice on a County and City Level: Minnesota local governments have been embracing restorative justice practices for both youth and adults for years and are expanding these programs as demand and need increases.
- Implementation on a State Level: Recently, the MN legislature created the new MN Office of Restorative Practices to promote restorative justice. Roll out will begin in 2024.
Another important question that was raised was how you can practice restorative justice in your own life. To begin to explore this big and broad question, here’s a resource to get you started: "How to Engage Others Using a Restorative Mindset."
Six leaders of local interfaith activities in communities across Minnesota gathered recently in a video conference call convened by Minnesota Multifaith Network (MnMN) to get acquainted, learn about each others' roles, and share about local activities, as well as the various challenges each faces. Leaders from Moorhead, Duluth, Rochester, Prior Lake, Lakeville, and St. Peter participated in the call. Participants reported on such activities as a bridge-building awards event, tours of houses of worship, day of peace and multicultural festivals, matching volunteers with-nonprofits needing them for services, organizing days of service, establishing an international twin communities relationship, shared concern and support for immigrants and more. The biggest challenge they reported, after Covid halted so much local interfaith activity, has been scheduling time together, mainly due to differing holiday calendars for the various communities and commitments within their own faith communities. MnMN plans another convening with other individuals in communities around the state, both in advance of MnMN's Annual Conference, "The Time is Now: Powering Pluralism," on November 6 in St. Paul, and after. For more information or receive an invitation to a future one, contact volunteer conveners Paula Nordhem (Lakeville) or Tom Duke (St. Paul). An AI summary of this meeting is available upon request.
Cutting Through the Noise Sunday, September 21, 2:30-4:00 p.m.; Geroge Floyd Square, 38th and Chicago Avenues (followed by informal social time at Bichota Coffee) In a world rife with systemic injustice, “cutting through the noise” has never been more critical. Let us come together with a commitment to justice to embody peace and bear witness in shared public places. With a hope for deepening wellness, we will practice “retreat” in real time and space … right where we are! Together with Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown and Rev. Ben Connelly, attendees will be invited to reflect, pray, or simply rest in the sights, sounds, and feelings of the present moment. Facilitators will provide brief instructions for finding mindful quiet. To support this offering, we suggest a donation of $10. No one will be turned away. For more information about the facilitators: http://jiastarrbrown.com https://wisdomexperience.org/content-author/ben-connelly/ Questions? Please contact benconelly70@gmail.com
Gateway to Himalayan Art Currently - December 7; Flaten Art Museum, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota The Flaten Art Museum at St. Olaf College in Northfield is hosting the exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art . It introduces the main forms, concepts, meanings, and religious traditions of Himalayan art with objects from the collection of the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art in New York. A large multimedia map at the start of the exhibition orients visitors to the greater Himalayan region, which encompasses Indian, Nepalese, Bhutanese, and Tibetan cultures, as well as interrelated Mongolian and Chinese traditions.
CHANGE IN DATE! Originally, as shown in the graphic above, this online event was scheduled for September 17; it now is on Monday, September 15. Money, Lies, and God: Inside the movement to destroy American democracy Wednesday, September 15, 11:00 a.m. – Noon, Central Time; Online Via Zoom In The Power Worshippers (2020), journalist Katherine Stewart exposed Christian nationalism as a growing threat to democracy. Her new book, Money, Lies, and God (2025), goes further—revealing how ultra-wealthy donors, conservative think tanks, and far-right religious groups are driving a radical anti-democratic movement. Stewart, also a key voice behind the Rob Reiner-produced documentary God & Country, asks urgent questions: How did we get here—and why are so many Americans turning against democracy?
Tuesday, July 17, 7:00 - 8:00 pm; Virtual The Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown is hosting a Bible study series about "Decolonizing Church Music: Decolonizing Jesus Liberating Ourselves and the Church" on Tuesday, July 17, at 7:00 p.m. She will peel bak the familiar colonial layers that have overshadowed the gospel message to reveal the radiance of Jesus and his ministry. A link for the event will be provided to those who register.
Have you looked on the internet for basic information about another religion but weren’t sure where to go? The Institute for Islamic Christian Jewish Studies (ICJS) now offers help. The new ICJS web page, Faith Inside & Out: Exploring Judaism, Christianity, & Islam , is a collection of curated resources assembled by ICJS scholars, program staff, and communications team to help you explore the beliefs and practices of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Faith Inside & Out links to online resources created by faith practitioners themselves, (the insiders’ view). It also includes perspectives that look at religion from outside the tradition. This page is ideal for educators, dialogue groups, and anyone seeking to explore faith beyond stereotypes.
Saturday, July 12; 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Turkish American Society of Minnesota, 6565 Oakley Drive NE, Fridley The Turkish American Society of Minnesota (TASMN) invites everyone to its Community Sale and Turkish Bake Sale on Saturday, July 12. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a vibrant day of community, culture, and delicious homemade Turkish treats.
Saturday, August 2, 10:00 - 11:30 am; Eden Prairie School's Valley View Building, 11840 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie The PeopleFest! Committee invites all interested people to a meaningful morning of learning and connection as we explore the rich traditions of religious holidays across different faiths in our community. A panel discussion will feature guest speakers from Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism, each sharing insights into significant holidays within their traditions, the values behind them, and how they are celebrated. Whether you're curious about the stories behind various holy days or interested in fostering greater cultural understanding, this session offers a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and celebrate the diversity within our community. All are welcome!
Friday, June 20, 3:00 p.m.; Lake George, St. Cloud The Saint Cloud Diocese will host World Refugee Day under the theme "Solidarity with Refugees." Participants will gather to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who’ve been forced to flee their homes — families who’ve lost everything and still rise every morning to build new lives with hope, dignity, and quiet strength. In today’s political climate, the theme couldn’t be more urgent. When refugees and immigrants are treated like threats, we must respond with humanity. When fear is loud, our love must be louder. There will be music, dance, food, and powerful stories — but most importantly, there will be people, together, choosing to build a welcoming city and state for all.
Tuesday, June 17, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.; Say Their Names Cemetery , 711 East 37th Street, Minneapolis Ten years ago a young white supremacist man was welcomed into a Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. After about an hour, he opened fire, killing Clementia Pinckney, Cynthia Hurd, Daniel Simmons, Ethel Lee Lance, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Susie Jackson, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson. The event is hosted by Calvary Lutheran Church, Minneapolis.