We invite you to participate in the 4th National Conference on Restorative Justice in Toledo, Ohio. The conference will convene at the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus on June 19. 2013. Pre‐ conference activities on the evening of June 18, 2013 will kick off the three‐day event. The conference will bring together academics, educators, community leaders, grassroots activists, politicians, practitioners, judges, policymakers, faith leaders and concerned citizens to explore the use of restorative justice principles and practices to meet local needs. Given the relationship between the justice system and people of color, the holiday of Juneteenth is the appropriate date to start an exploration of Restorative Justice and Race.

Submissions for presentations at the 2013 NCRJ meetings are invited to explore questions pertaining to racial, ethnic, and class disparities, disproportionate minority contact (DMC), and cultural competency such as:

• How can restorative justice techniques reduce disproportionate minority contact (DMC) among youth?
• How can youth participate to reduce racial, ethnic, and class disparities and increase cultural competency in their own communities using restorative justice techniques?
• How can we use restorative justice approaches in response to juvenile offending?
• Can restorative justice approaches reduce reoffender rates? Why or why not?
• How can communities address opposition to restorative justice techniques in response to juvenile offending in their own communities?
• Is there a need for additional concern for children’s rights who may participate in diversion programs that are driven by the restorative justice movement?

The above are simply suggestions for exploration at our conference. We are open to any other questions one might want to explore and discuss at the 2013 meetings.

Presentations may fit into one of three programmatic options. These options are:

• Themed Panel Presentation (15-20 minute presentation on a panel with 3-4 other speakers on related topics);
• Dedicated Session (75 minute presentation by a single speaker or single organization); and,
• Round Table Discussion (75 minute period themed conversation with 3-4 panelists and moderator).

Track coordinators will develop specific panels, sessions, and discussions based on proposals selected from those submitted. All proposals must be submitted on-line through the conference website (www.restorativejusticenow.org). The following information is required: author(s), contact information (mail, phone, e-mail address), type of presentation, working title, and an abstract of 150 words or less.

Key Dates:
- Formal Proposal and Abstract (Extended deadline) March 22, 2013
- Notifications of Acceptance April 30, 2013

Complete the Call for Presentations Submission Form for Youth and Restorative Justice

We invite you to participate in the 4th National Conference on Restorative Justice in Toledo, Ohio. The conference will convene at the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus on June 19. 2013. Pre-conference activities on the evening of June 18, 2013 will kick off the three-day event. The conference will bring together academics, educators, community leaders, grassroots activists, politicians, practitioners, judges, policymakers, faith leaders and concerned citizens to explore the use of restorative justice principles and practices to meet local needs. Given the relationship between the justice system and people of color, the holiday of Juneteenth is the appropriate date to start an exploration of Restorative Justice and Race.
For more information visit www.restorativejusticenow.org.

Questions and issues such as those noted below may be among the topics examined:

• How can victims of crime and the offenders be effective participants in the criminal justice system?
• How can effective victim-offender dialogues be developed and what should the subject/focus of those conversations be?
• What do victims and offenders need to know about each other and what role can education play in bringing them together?
• What are the responsibilities of offenders to the victims and how can those responsibilities be carried out?
• How can Restorative Justice be used to restore neighborhoods?
• How can Victims of Hate Crimes add to the restorative justice process?
• How are communities/neighborhoods affected by crime and how can they be made “whole” again?
• What community organizations can best implement restorative justice programs for victims and how? What role does government play?
• How can Restorative Justice be used to help in the healing process of crimes against women?

Those submitting presentations in this track are invited to explore their topics with the following conference themes in mind: racial, ethnic, and class disparities, disproportionate minority contact, and cultural competency.

Presentations may fit into one of three programmatic options. The options are:

• Themed Panel Presentation (15-20 minute presentation on a panel with 3-4 other speakers on related topics);
• Dedicated Session (75 minute presentation by a single speaker or single organization); and,
• Round Table Discussion (75 minute period themed conversation with 3-4 panelists and moderator).

Track coordinators will develop specific panels, sessions, and discussions based on proposals selected from those submitted. All proposals must be submitted on-line through the conference website (www.restorativejusticenow.org). The following information is required: author(s), contact information (mail, phone, e-mail address), type of presentation, working title, and an abstract of 150 words or less.

Key Dates:
- Formal Proposal and Abstract (Extended deadline) March 22, 2013
- Notifications of Acceptance April 30, 2013

Complete the Call for Presentations Submission Form for Restorative Justice and Victims

We invite you to participate in the 4th National Conference on Restorative Justice in Toledo, Ohio. The conference will convene at the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus on June 19. 2013. Pre‐ conference activities on the evening of June 18, 2013 will kick off the three‐day event. The conference will bring together academics, educators, community leaders, grassroots activists, politicians, practitioners, judges, policymakers, faith leaders and concerned citizens to explore the use of restorative justice principles and practices to meet local needs. Given the relationship between the justice system and people of color, the holiday of Juneteenth is the appropriate date to start an exploration of Restorative Justice and Race.

Many communities have used Restorative Justice to deal with misdemeanors, low felonies and civil offenses. What is the promise of RJ with serious offenders?

Questions and issues such as those noted below may be among the topics examined:

• What are the obstacles and promises of restorative justice with serious offenses in general?
•  Can RJ be used with sexual offenses?
• What is the impact on victims?
• What are the legal issues involved with serious offenses and RJ?
• Are there ethical problems?

Those submitting presentations in this track are invited to explore their topics with the following conference themes in mind: racial, ethnic, and class disparities, disproportionate minority contact, and cultural competency.

Presentations may fit into one of three programmatic options. These options are:

• Themed Panel Presentation (15-20 minute presentation on a panel with 3-4 other speakers on related topics);
• Dedicated Session (75 minute presentation by a single speaker or single organization); and,
• Round Table Discussion (75 minute period themed conversation with 3-4 panelists and moderator).

Track coordinators will develop specific panels, sessions, and discussions based on proposals selected from those submitted. All proposals must be submitted on-line through the conference website (www.restorativejusticenow.org). The following information is required: author(s), contact information (mail, phone, e-mail address), type of presentation, working title, and an abstract of 150 words or less.

Key Dates:
- Formal Proposal and Abstract (Extended deadline) March 22, 2013
- Notifications of Acceptance April 30, 2013

Complete the Call for Presentations Submission Form for Restorative Justice and Serious Offenses

We invite you to participate in the 4th National Conference on Restorative Justice in Toledo, Ohio. The conference will convene at the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus on June 19. 2013. Pre‐ conference activities on the evening of June 18, 2013 will kick off the three‐day event. The conference will bring together academics, educators, community leaders, grassroots activists, politicians, practitioners, judges, policymakers, faith leaders and concerned citizens to explore the use of restorative justice principles and practices to meet local needs. Given the relationship between the justice system and people of color, the holiday of Juneteenth is the appropriate date to start an exploration of Restorative Justice and Race.

Crime and fear continues to touch many lives today, and each can victimize us, isolate us, and even polarize us. As incarceration rates increase so have punitive measures. Putting more people in prison (including those living with mental illness and those with military experience) and putting people to death (33 states still have the death penalty on their books) has not served as a deterrent to crime let alone offer us the protection and security we all desire.

The “demand for justice” is typically expressed through such venues as politics and media, but what role does/can faith, play in regard to crime and justice. Consider the following questions through the lens of your religious teachings:

• How can we confront crime without claiming “justice” through revenge or retribution?
• How can victims of crime and the offender participate in the criminal justice system and not merely leave the process in the hands of the attorney, prosecutor and judge?
• How can we defend life without murdering yet another person?
• How can we protect and rebuild our communities impacted by crime?
• How can we restore our respect for law and life, and give shape to a just community where all can experience life with dignity?
• It is one thing to embrace the concept of restorative justice but it is another to live it. How will RJ impact the way we make decisions? The way we build relationships?

Presentations may fit into one of three programmatic options. These options are:

• Themed Panel Presentation (15-20 minute presentation on a panel with 3-4 other speakers on related topics);
• Dedicated Session (75 minute presentation by a single speaker or single organization); and,
• Round Table Discussion (75 minute period themed conversation with 3-4 panelists and moderator).

Track coordinators will develop specific panels, sessions, and discussions based on proposals selected from those submitted. All proposals must be submitted on-line through the conference website (www.restorativejusticenow.org). The following information is required: author(s), contact information (mail, phone, e-mail address), type of presentation, working title, and an abstract of 150 words or less.

Key Dates:
- Formal Proposal and Abstract (Extended deadline) March 22, 2013
- Notifications of Acceptance April 30, 2013

Complete the Call for Presentations Submission Form for Faith Perspective on Crime and Restorative Justice

We invite you to participate in the 4th National Conference on Restorative Justice in Toledo, Ohio. The conference will convene at the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus on June 19. 2013. Pre-conference activities on the evening of June 18, 2013 will kick off the three-day event. The conference will bring together academics, educators, community leaders, grassroots activists, politicians, practitioners, judges, policymakers, faith leaders and concerned citizens to explore the use of restorative justice principles and practices to meet local needs. Given the relationship between the justice system and people of color, the holiday of Juneteenth is the appropriate date to start an exploration of Restorative Justice and Race.

We ask that you explore questions pertaining to racial, ethnic, and class disparities and disproportionate minority contact, and cultural competency such as:

• To continue the restorative justice movement, do we need to become more knowledgeable and sensitive to cross-cultural dynamics?
• Is there a place for race and ethnicity in discussions about restorative justice practices such as: victim-offender dialogues, family, and community dialogues?
• Should cultural competence training be included in Restorative Justice workshops? Why or why not?
• Can restorative justice balance the scales for racial and ethnic minorities and disproportionate minority contact (DMC)?
• How can restorative justice contribute to finding a solution to the larger social problems of racism, classism, and sexism within our social institutions such as the criminal justice system?

The above are simply suggestions for exploration at our conference. We are open to any other questions one might want to explore and discuss at the 2013 meetings.

Presentations may fit into one of three programmatic options. These options are:

• Themed Panel Presentation (15-20 minute presentation on a panel with 3-4 other speakers on related topics);
• Dedicated Session (75 minute presentation by a single speaker or single organization); and,
• Round Table Discussion (75 minute period themed conversation with 3-4 panelists and moderator).

Track coordinators will develop specific panels, sessions, and discussions based on proposals selected from those submitted. All proposals must be submitted on-line through the conference website (www.restorativejusticenow.org). The following information is required: author(s), contact information (mail, phone, e-mail address), type of presentation, working title, and an abstract of 150 words or less.

Key Dates:
- Formal Proposal and Abstract (Extended deadline) March 22, 2013
- Notifications of Acceptance April 30, 2013

Complete the Call for Presentations Form for Race, Ethnicity, Class and Restorative Justice