The California State University, Sacramento [CSUS] Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution (CAPCR) held an educational training workshop in the fall of 2020 via Zoom focused on domestic violence, in response to the demands of COVID-19, plus another training in the spring of 2022.

Since then, CAPCR received many inquiries and interest from the community for more training. As a result, a new Restorative Justice Workshop was developed by Ernest Uwazie, PhD, Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of the CAPCR, and Alexa Sardina, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice.

The 50-hour Restorative Justice training will be held from August 12 – 31 and will include some virtual, and face-to-face sessions on the campus of CSUS, and will be presented by a diverse team of restorative justice scholars and practitioners. The workshop will cover theoretical views and practical applications or practices of restorative justice (i.e. victim-offender dialogues, victim impact panels, circles, and conferencing). Topics will be covered related to victim-centered and offender-sensitive practices, trauma/harm, empathy, accountability, apology, restitution, peacemaking and nonviolence, victimology, prison education/rehabilitation, school/college disciplinary procedures, justice system and criminal sentencing, and forgiveness.

“Restorative justice offers a powerful way to repair harm, build community, and transform lives. By becoming trained in restorative practices, you empower yourself to foster healing, promote understanding, and create lasting change in a world that desperately needs it,” says Dr. Uwazie.

“Restorative justice training is about understanding humanity and the complexity of healthy living in the family, community, and world of many challenges and promises, and how to do no [further] harm,” echoes Dr. Sardina.

Participants will join a network of restorative justice professionals and enhance their facilitation skills. They will also:

• Receive a Certificate of completion from the CSUS-CAPCR.
• Become educated about the theories and practices of restorative justice at local, national, and international levels.
• Learn/apply new/critical skills in victim-offender mediation/dialogues.
• Join a network of restorative justice practitioners.
• Make a positive impact in the community.
• Practice as a restorative justice facilitator or advocate.
• Be able to facilitate reconciliation and transformation of relationships.
• Be equipped to support victims/survivors in their journey for healing and restoration, along with the offender’s goals for rehabilitation and accountability.