Restorative Practices a Mission Moment
Restorative Practices a Mission Moment
At its core, Restorative Practices are about healing harm. It humanizes all parties involved and considers their individual needs.
Restorative Practices are designed not only to address conflict after it occurs, but also to build strong relationships and a supportive community before harm is ever done. “Restorative practices give us the space to be intentional,” says Jazmin Duran, YWCA Racial and Social Justice Specialist. “The restorative part in all of this is being able to reflect and have people be in a safe place where they can be open with you.”
Read the foundations of Restorative Practices by Julie Schaffer, Restorative Justice Facilitator and Trainer here. This was also the theme of our 2025 Equity for All event, where we had a panel discuss the application of restorative practices and formed circles with attendees to experience building community.
Practices in Action
YWCA Spokane already embodies a few restorative principles in our programs. Our support group gives survivors of intimate partner domestic violence a safe space where they know other participants welcome and respect their experiences and stories. Similarly, our Mental Health Therapy program gives individuals the option to explore and unpack previous harm, finding ways to reprocess and move forward in their lives. For survivors of trauma, restorative practices can offer a powerful path forward. This isn’t about checking boxes, but about meaningful engagement. These environments reflect the core of restorative practice: voluntary participation, mutual respect, and emotional safety.
Restorative practices innately seem to utilize a trauma-informed approach, which is a core philosophy in our services. They both look beyond the individual and seek to understand the bigger picture and structural failings that may have led to a particular situation. Restorative practices ask questions like, “What led the person to cause harm? What support did they need? What system may have let them down?” These questions don’t excuse harm but seek to understand it, which is essential for true accountability and healing.
Embracing Restorative Practices
Incorporating Restorative Practices will take time. Just like how Restorative Practices take the unique circumstances of the individuals into account, the approach itself is also very adaptable to different situations. “There is no one right answer or one right way,” reminds Jazmin. “How you get ‘the right way,’ is by trying multiple methods and figuring out what works well for that situation.”
At YWCA Spokane, we are in a phase of continuing to learn and embrace restorative practices. This starts by ensuring all of our staff members have a foundational understanding and that we continue to foster a culture that is intentional and thoughtful. It is important to slow down and take the time to build trust, rapport, and understanding. By thoughtfully integrating restorative practices, we have a unique opportunity to deepen our impact with clients and survivors, as well as with our own teams and the wider community. We can create a culture where clients and staff feel supported and empowered.
Restorative Practices and You
Whether in schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, or other spaces, the principles of restorative practices can help reduce conflict and promote a culture of respect and understanding.
Restorative Practices recognize a community’s involvement when it comes to accountability and involvement, shifting from an individualistic perspective to a community-minded lens. Domestic violence is just one issue that will take a community and societal shift to solve. If we can recognize the community’s contribution, we can all be part of the solution.
A powerful entry point to become more engaged in this conversation is by attending the NAACP Spokane’s new initiative: Building Restorative Communities. These monthly gatherings offer both discussion and optional participation, making them accessible to newcomers. "I have found these events very helpful!" shares Jazmin. "At first, I would go and listen, but now I join in and participate." The consistency of the sessions allows for deeper understanding over time, and attendees are encouraged to engage at their own pace. "It helped show me how restorative practices could strengthen all kinds of relationships and communities," adds Jazmin.
Restorative practices thrive in communities that value connection and openness. By taking the first step to learn, reflect, or attend an event, you help create a more compassionate and just environment for everyone.
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By: Jemma Riedel-Johnson
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