Reflection by Tracey Daniels-Kenney, Training and Capacity Builder, Restorative Justice Project Maine
The beauty of this work is that you can train and model restorative practices in tandem, thus the connection between participants and trainers builds organically.
As a trainer for RJP Maine, a lot of my time is spent in connection with others that I have just met. Relationship building is key to form trust and to open doors to hearts and minds as we discuss topics of harm and conflict.
The beauty of this work is that you can train and model restorative practices in tandem, thus the connection between participants and trainers builds organically. Long standing relationships can bear the same fruit.
I have had a 12-year relationship with my local high school through restorative work with students, as well as my two children attending and graduating from said school. Through the dedication and steadfastness of a small group of people within the school, they were able to secure money for our training. We completed Day Three with them last week!
The elation and joy I felt sitting with my community members within a school that I love and know well was beyond words. I am grateful to those who held tightly to and continued to practice restorative work within the high school, blazing a path forward for more folks in the school to be trained. It all came full circle for those of us determined to see restorative practices implemented in our school.
There were tears of joy shed at the end. It was a long road to get there and I am forever thankful that I was able to be involved!
Tracey Daniels-Kenney has been working within the Restorative realm for a little over a decade. She has worked in facilitation, coordination, negotiations, directorship and now brings her skill set to training and teaching. As a human who deeply connects to others, studying human behavior and assessing their various needs has been a lifelong passion. She believes that all people need to feel seen, heard and cared for in order to build a sustainable, safe and equitable society. Tracey has found immense passion in training others in Restorative Practices.