Relationships First Newfoundland & Labrador
dorothy vaandering, Director | Sarah McDonald Moores, RJ Education Coordinator
Background
Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador (RFNL) is a provincial restorative justice organization housed in Memorial University’s Faculty of Education. We aim to provide support, resources, research, and recommendations for the sustainability of the holistic integration of restorative justice in Newfoundland and Labrador. Currently, we are working with our funders to create opportunities for members of a variety of communities to learn about and through restorative justice in project-specific contexts.
Definition of Restorative Justice
We believe that Restorative Justice is a way of being and define it as the framework upon which communities nurture the capacity of people to engage with one another and their environment in a manner that supports and respects the inherent dignity and worth of all. We are led by the interconnection of four equally significant intentions:
Embodying respect, dignity, and mutual concern
Creating just and equitable environments
Nurturing healthy relationships
Repairing harm and transforming conflict
Demographic Served
RFNL promotes, supports, and encourages the development of relational policies and practices within various organizations engaged with youth. RFNL focuses on creating and sustaining relational cultures for all in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Services
RFNL aims to provide support, resources, research, and recommendations for the sustainability of the holistic integration of restorative justice in Newfoundland and Labrador. Currently, we are working with our funders to create opportunities for members of a variety of communities to learn about and through restorative justice in project-specific contexts. RFNL works to spread awareness and messaging which highlights and encourages relational ways of being and knowing through the development and facilitation of meaningful professional learning opportunities, facilitated circle experiences/meetings, and a variety of presentations. RFNL creates innovative digital and print resources to aid in the promotion of a deeper understanding of relational ways of being, knowing, and doing.
Information provided
January 10, 2024