Restorative FAcilitation
For Individuals and Groups
I provide direct facilitation on a limited basis, most often for campuses that need an outside facilitator: cases where internal staff have a conflict of interest; situations that exceed a young program's current capacity; or moments that call for an experienced neutral party. Engagements begin with a consultation to determine whether a restorative process is appropriate, and if I am the best fit facilitator for the process.
My direct facilitation primarily uses the following modalities:
Circle Keeping
Circle is a highly adaptable and flexible approach to community. The practice of Circle is inspired by and rooted in Indigenous lifeways and technologies with many roots, most proximally in Tagish and Tlingit First Nations. As a philosophy of group facilitation, Circle provides equity of voice, balance, and opportunities for deep listening in a group.
Circles can be used in many circumstances, including but not limited to: decision making; harm repair; celebration of life; norms or values setting; teaching and learning; and welcoming or re-integration.
Restorative Conferencing
When harm has occurred within a community, a Restorative Conference can be a pathway towards healing, accountability, and ideally deepened understanding and restored relationship. The process begins with individual pre-conference meetings with the facilitator and culminates in a highly structured and supported encounter between the parties and the development of an accountability and healing plan. Conferences move at the pace of the people in them; pre-conference meetings ensure everyone enters prepared and by choice. I specialize in Civil Rights matters, both Title VI and Title IX, involving students, staff, or faculty.
If you're not sure which process fits your situation, that's normal. Reach out and we'll figure it out together. Campuses building internal facilitation capacity may be better served by training or consulting; I'm happy to work with you to figure out the best fit.
“Healing, accountability, and Strong Relationships are separate but mutually supportive elements of a Healthy Community.”
Pablo Cerdera