Restorative Justice and Victims

(Download a PDF of this Call for Presentation’s Description)

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