Update about GCC Winter 2023 Fundraising

GCC Winter 2023 Fundraising Campaign

November 29, 2023

Dear Friends, Collaborators and Supporters of GCC,

The third week of November is recognized around the world as International Restorative Justice Week.  So, in that spirit, I would like to share some reflections about our collective journey to advance restorative justice and restorative approaches in Athens and beyond.

Early on in my journey as I was reflecting on my vocation, someone encouraged me to “find work at the intersection of the world’s need and my passion.” This advice has stuck with me and has grounded me in the work of restorative justice for nearly twenty years now. From Nicaragua to New York to Washington, D.C. to Georgia, I have found communities clamoring for more just and equitable ways of being in community together, healing from historical harm, and responding to conflict, crime and wrongdoing. I am convinced that restorative approaches to the challenges we  face in our communities are as relevant now as they were to the indigenous and early faith-based communities that brought them into being.

While restorative approaches are as old as humanity, many systems and structures at the root of our education system, criminal legal system, and  other systems we daily interact with produce inequity and injustice. These are perpetuated through law, custom and our acceptance of the status quo. For example, while the evidence for expanding Restorative Justice Diversion (RJD) in Athens and the surrounding counties is clear (see the ‘Resources’ section of our website for research and evidence related to RJD), given this work is perceived as new (i.e. it’s not the way we’ve been doing things around here), there is no established mechanism for funding this work. 

RJD promotes safety, accountability and support and diverts youth from prosecution and possible incarceration. However, the infrastructure for prosecution and youth incarceration remains fully funded (estimated at over $400,000 per youth incarcerated per year), while GCC is taking restorative justice diversion cases on a pro bono basis (at a cost of less than $5,000 per case).

At GCC, we trust that as we continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of restorative approaches to produce more just and equitable outcomes, sustainable mechanisms for funding our work will emerge. Until then, your financial support is essential for us to grow and advance GCC’s mission, vision and work.  Below is a graphic representation of our primary areas of focus, expansion and need as we head into 2024.

Last year, we successfully reached our goal of raising $15,000 during our winter fundraising campaign. This year, we aim to raise $30,000 by February, 2024 to help fund a Restorative Programs Coordinator position, and to help  meet rising insurance expenses. Will you consider increasing your support this winter and possibly invite a friend or two to also support GCC?

Please donate by visiting us at gaconflict.kindful.com/

Or send a check to:

Georgia Conflict Center

P.O. Box 82024

Athens, GA 30608

In gratitude,

Danny Malec, Executive Director

Nicola Dovey, Board President

other blogs and recommended reading

Opinion

Where Is the Forgiveness and Grace in Cancel Culture?

A link to an editorial written on 12/28/21 in the New York Times from Michael Eric Dyson, reflecting on Bishop Tutu's approach to apartheid and the limited value of punishment or banishment.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

New Study: Black, Special Ed Students Punished at Greater Rate Through Pandemic

Despite a dramatic decline in suspensions as students moved to remote learning during the pandemic, Black children and those in special education were disciplined far more often than white students and those in general education, according to a recent New York University study.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

Jabari Cobb

Jabari Cobb, the Director of Behavior Supports & Discipline for Clarke County School District, shares the impact that GCC has made--school by school--and how his involvement with restorative practices has strengthened.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

Students Belong in Class, So This School Redesigned Discipline to Honor That

Angela Monell and Southwest Guilford High School are committed to restorative practices as a way to keep kids in class and out of trouble.

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Weaver School Embraces ‘Peacemaker Event’ on Campus

In collaboration with the Restorative Justice League of Merced, the “Weaver Peacemaker Event” is an all day event that focuses on educating students to “promote kindness and build a culture of peace on campus.”

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →