Restorative Justice and Mediation Workshops in June
June has been a hectic month for me, filled with learning, connection, and building new mediation and restorative justice skills.
On June 18, I returned from an Advanced Mediation Program held near Flatwoods, West Virginia, where I had the opportunity to facilitate a workshop on the Law of Mediation—an overview of the legal framework that guides our responsibilities as mediators. I worked with small groups of lawyers, judges, and mediators to examine the appellate cases on mediation confidentiality and enforcement of agreements. It is always inspiring to see the level of compassion and genuine interest in the community to find the best way to resolve legal conflicts. A few days earlier, on June 13, I joined the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project (WVRJP) at the West Virginia University Law School for a dynamic Skills Building Institute. This event brought together practitioners from Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky for intensive workshops with nationally recognized guests: Judge Wesley Saint Clair from Seattle, Washington, and Tracey Battle from Bowie, Maryland. The gathering focused on two key restorative processes: Talking Circles and Victim-Offender Dialogue.
Talking Circles allow equal participation in any discussion by creating a framework where participants agree to speak only when holding a designated talking piece. The object may be symbolic or straightforward, but the process is intentional and sequential. This method has effectively addressed harm, particularly within families or group settings. I’ve personally used this approach in complex mediation cases involving multiple parties. The process focused on at the Skills Building Institute—Victim-Offender Dialogue (Restorative Dialogue)—involves two trained facilitators working with parties in conflict, often in cases involving harm. Whether the incident is minor, like vandalism, or more serious or violent, this structured process allows for dialogue, accountability, and healing.The Skills Building Insitute participants spent a half-day focusing on each method, building confidence and cross-state collaboration.
Virginia was well-represented at the institute. Erin Campbell, facilitator and co-director of Central Virginia Community Justice brought her deep experience in restorative justice conferencing and diversion services. Valerie Slater, Executive Director of RISE for Youth, attended with several youth participants from Richmond. RISE centers youth voices in advocating for community-based alternatives to youth incarceration and challenges racial and social injustice throughout Virginia. We were also honored to have Dr. Pam Struss of Richmond join us. Dr. Struss founded the Greater Richmond Community Mediation Center, which serves courts in Chesterfield, Henrico, Petersburg, and Richmond. Trish Bowes splits her time between Virginia and West Virginia and serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Center for Restorative Justice.
What’s next for the WVRJP? Several initiatives are on the horizon: A statewide celebration of Restorative Justice Week is scheduled for November 17, 2025. Launched last year by the WVRJP with nearly twenty community gatherings across West Virginia, this year’s event is expanding. Virginia sites—possibly Berryville or Winchester—are being considered. In the Summer of 2026, the WVRJP plans to host a statewide summit. Details are still forthcoming as the team works on planning, but momentum is building.
Restorative justice continues to grow as a powerful tool for healing, accountability, and community-building in Appalachia. It’s exciting to witness—and be part of—the movement taking root across our region.