Restorative Justice

First things first I show up ready to be in circle Here to actively listen and be openly verbal This type of cypher that serves like a meal We're here to solve problems and hopefully heal I start by telling the group a little bit about me I want to get to know you curiosity is mounting We're here to build trust so we can speak facts A heartfelt response for the best impact, see The circle is a space to grow Connecting us to a collective glow Candles get lit Reflect our light Illuminating how we're here to do right Where are we left without Respect A little bit of Honesty That Restorative Justice Where are we left without Healing A little bit of Empathy That Restorative Justice Where are we left without Love A little bit of Courage and care That Trust is there Where are we left without Truth And facing it Whenever it confronts us Without that Ain't no restorative just us Alright y'all We came together to hear every person's side of the story So you're up next Alright Pass the object, it's my turn to speak To share what's on my heart and the truth we seek I hope they understand where I'm coming from What harm was caused? What can be done? We can't move forward 'til we take the pause Examine all the hurt we might have caused When it's your turn, can't promise I'll agree But maybe there's perspective that I did not see The circle is a space to grow Connecting us to a collective glow Candles get lit Reflect our light Illuminating how we're here to do right Where are we left without Respect A little bit of Honesty That Restorative Justice Where are we left without Healing A little bit of Empathy That Restorative Justice Where are we left without Love A little bit of Courage and care That Trust is there Where are we left without Truth And facing it Whenever it confronts us Without that Ain't no restorative just us We heard each other out; we're owning up to our parts Healing doesn't end here This is a start How we hold this defines us, as we leave and take care We're in this together like our ancestors' prayer We're leaving here today with community tactics And RJ is a constant and continuous practice We restore fairness We make peace We are community finding relief The circle is a space to grow Connecting us to a collective glow Candles get lit Reflect our light Illuminating how we're here to do right Where are we left without Respect A little bit of Honesty That Restorative Justice Where are we left without Healing A little bit of Empathy That Restorative Justice Where are we left without Love A little bit of Courage and care That Trust is there Where are we left without Truth And facing it Whenever it confronts us Without that Ain't no restorative just us