Maintaining the Processes

How do we Maintain the Processes and Culture?

The most effective way to maintain the use of restorative practices instead of punitive discipline at camp is to celebrate and recognize the results and impact circles have on the community. Directors should allocate time during weekly staff meetings to discuss the new policy, hear feedback, and share stories of how the process is working for them and their campers. By celebrating together the change that circles are having on the community, the power of circles is more likely to gain context and social credibility. 

What are the limitations of the process?

The major limitation I foresee for the implementation of the organizational change is the unpredictable outcome of the circle process. Each circle is different and is catered to the people participating and their desired results. If a key decision maker has not been effective at facilitating circles they will likely doubt the effectiveness of the new policy. To combat this limitation, the organization should use recorded videos of successful circles to simulate the process working. The video format does not replace the impact of actually witnessing a circle but it provides a concrete example and context.  

Another limitation to be aware of is the weaponization of the circle process. If implemented improperly with inadequate support the circle system runs the risk of just replacing a penal system with different words. Threatening campers with a circle discussion or using a circle as a punishment to show campers why their choices were wrong will destabilize the change process as well as harm the campers and staff involved. To avoid this pitfall, the "innovators" group will be allowed to monitor the use of circles and have the explicit power to set the circle standards. If appropriately implemented, restorative justice at camp creates space to bring conversations about race and privilege to the surface and be addressed.