Addressing Racial Harm through Restorative Practices
Racial harm and inequality persist in our society, causing deep divisions and barriers that can be complex to address. Many people feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to effectively respond to racial injustice. It’s a sensitive topic that often gets brushed aside, preventing meaningful progress towards equality.
That’s where Restorative Justice Project Maine is presently growing. We are learning more ourselves and offering training materials and resources that empower individuals and organizations to actively counteract microaggressions and promote racial equity. By learning from the experiences and perspectives of people of color and doing our own work to dismantle the systems of oppression we are complicitly reproducing, we can create a more inclusive and just society.
Dismantling Barriers, Promoting Racial Equity
At Restorative Justice Project Maine, we recognize we have perpetuated racial harm and that there are many barriers to racial equality. In response, we’ve established the Race Equity Program, a dynamic initiative aimed at looking at our behaviors, practices, policies and procedures to continue dismantling these barriers and promoting racial equity in our communities.
Advancing Racial Justice: The Dynamic & Evolving Efforts of Our Race Equity Group
The work of our Race Equity group is constantly evolving, with different teams focusing on various projects. Past efforts include assisting with Microaggression Training and Volunteer Training.
Our Working Group engages in a variety of activities designed to foster learning and action. We offer Microaggression Training, where participants learn to identify and counteract everyday instances of racial harm. Our Race Equity Group brings together passionate individuals dedicated to incorporating race equity principles into our programs and training.
We also actively respond to instances of racial harm, providing support and restorative practices to those affected. Recognizing the importance of the work of so many dedicated organizations and groups, we support and share the calls to action by organizations like Showing Up for Racial Justice, Midcoast Alliance – Reparations, and Wabanaki Alliance, lifting up their work and adding our voice with theirs in the fight for racial justice.
Working Group Details
Our Race Equity Working Group offers participants an opportunity to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of racial harm and microaggressions.
- Learn from resources authored by people of color.
- Engage in critical discussions about racial injustice.
- Develop practical skills to respond appropriately to racially-motivated harm.
- Contribute to the ongoing work of promoting racial equality.
Join Us in Creating a More Inclusive Community
The journey towards racial equity requires continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning. It’s about challenging our assumptions and embracing difficult conversations. At Restorative Justice Project Maine, we’re committed to this journey. We invite you to join us in our effort to create a more equitable and inclusive community.
Join the Race Equity Group or sign up for our Microaggression Training today. Together, we can make a difference.