We are honored to announce that RYSE received the The Dennis Maloney Youth-Driven Award at the 9th Annual National Conference on Community and Restorative Justice in Washington, DC.
(from left) Youth Success Advocate Nicole Rodriguez, RESTOR Coordinator Nashira Talley, Education & Justice Director Stephanie Medley, Restorative Practices Associate Briana Urrutia, and Restorative Practices Specialist Eddy Chacon. (not pictured Restorative Practices Specialist, Chardonay Thomas)
This award recognizes individuals, organizations, or groups who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to youth-led or youth-focused community and restorative justice initiatives showing:
A record of meaningful youth involvement in leadership roles and decision-making processes, and/or offer youth-focused programming pertaining to community and restorative justice initiatives.
A significant and positive impact on the lives of young people and the broader community it serves.
A record of exhibiting innovation and adaptability to the evolving needs and challenges faced by youth and young adults.
Congrats to our Youth Justice team!
RYSE’s Director of Education & Justice, Stephanie Medley, shares her reflections on the convening.
What is your biggest takeaway from the RJ conference?
My biggest take away from the conference was the inspiration of getting to meet so many people from across the country implementing restorative practices in their diverse areas of work including elementary schools to college, community settings, institutional settings and more! It was also inspiring to see how multigenerational and intersectional this work is.
(from left) RYSE Education & Justice Director Stephanie Medley, Contra Costa District Attorney's Office Alana Mathews, Equal Justice USA Senior Restorative Justice Strategist Erica Washington, The Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project Managers Felix Rosado and Queen Cheyenne Wade, and Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Jordan King.
This group hosted the panel, “Power Shift: Cultivating ‘Power-With’ Dynamics in Restorative Justice Diversion Partnerships” bringing attention to the thoughtful relationship dynamics between community-based organizations and criminal systems agencies.
How is RJ embodied at RYSE?
Restorative Justice is embodied throughout the RYSE culture whether it's in restorative conversations, harm or celebration circles, or in how we create the curriculum for workshops. Also, what we learn at RYSE doesn't stay at RYSE. The restorative practices that we utilize at RYSE are some of the same practices we embody when working outside of RYSE with partners.
If you could give any advice to a young person today, what would it be?
Don't let anyone dim your dream. Not everyone will understand your passion or dream and that's ok. You'll eventually find your people and they will be your biggest cheerleaders.
To an adult?
Practice play. I think a lot of times as adults we stop being imaginative and playful. I think it's important to keep a certain amount of child-likeness and it can have a positive impact on our mental health. Figure out what "play" brings you joy.