Back in December, we did an entire series on Bystander Intervention and had introduced you to what microaggressions are and how you can stop them in the workplace. Based on the number of questions we had about microagressions, we wanted to spend some time and dive a bit deeper on these everyday slights that can be harmful to others.
We overcome intolerance and hate when we talk openly to one another and create meaningful action from shared values. The National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC), along with our partners, invites you to join a dialogue series that brings together interfaith and secular communities, reflecting the cultural diversity in our region. By breaking down barriers and building new connections, we can address the divisiveness and polarization in our society. ABOUT THESE EVENTS Each event features a guided dialogue where groups will collaborate on achievable positive social action. Together we will learn and practice how to communicate in a way that will restore a strong sense of community. We will walk away with the tools to continue these important discussions with our friends, colleagues, and neighbors.
For the third year in a row, the San Diego Police Department and Lincoln High School (San Diego) students gathered for an exciting game of community kickball. Students in Lori Williams' Administration of Justice program participated in our Art of Inclusive Communication training where officers and students can build relationships. "We talked about bias. We talked about stereotypes and communication styles. They find out they have a lot more in common than they ever would have imagined." - Lori Williams, Lincoln High School Administration of Justice Teacher
“What I do it’s beautiful, it’s challenging, yet rewarding,” Francisco Carbajal said. The program, Restorative Community Conference, is facilitated by the National Conflict Resolution Center, an organization that provides resources to organizations, communities and individuals to solve conflict. As opposed to a juvenile entering the criminal justice system, the restorative justice program provides an alternative to suspensions or expulsions by allowing the individual to take responsibility of their actions. The program involves having the person who committed the crime or “responsible youth” to speak with the person harmed, community members, and anyone else involved in a circle giving everyone a voice.
“We do not resolve conflicts for other people. We teach people and train people how to resolve conflicts on their own.” - Kathryn Shade, Senior Program Manager of NCRC’s Center for Community Cohesion The Center for Community Cohesion (CCC) is our community-based initiative to help bring cohesiveness, strength, resiliency, and support for San Diegans of all backgrounds and cultures. Members in the community can participate in our Art of Inclusive Communication training for free and have their challenges heard, find ways to confront differences in a civil manner and receive support through community partner referrals and wraparound services.
This story of Serena and Hannah is a testament to the constructive properties that restorative justice has to offer. This non-traditional approach prompts both the offender and the offended to work together to repair the damage inflicted—a tactic that the pipeline to prison fails to address. "Restorative justice is a proactive approach versus reactive. It holds youth accountable for their actions while giving them a voice. It provides healing for the victim and the offender, as well as the community." - Officer John Serrano, @SanDiegoUnified Police (Ret.)
A reporter asked me once, "How does it feel to have saved thousands and thousand of lives?" I go, "I don't know what you're talking about. I know that my life is saved everyday that I'm here. I know that I get rescued every second that I'm in this office." Learn more about Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries.
For this week's #MindsetMonday, National Conflict Resolution Center honors our local peacemakers that have made a significant contribution to conflict resolution in the San Diego community. We are honored to recognize these great awardees: Bishop Cornelius Bowser (Gun Violence, Charity Apolistic Church), Imam Hassane (Civility in Politics, Islamic Center San Diego) Steve Binder (Housing for the Homeless, San Diego Homeless Court Program) ,and Kim Sontag-Mulder (Gender Equity, San Diego Area National Organization for Women).