And in this, Others have a Voice. Others were Empowered. Others were Validated ​

This was not something Dr Ford set out to do, to change the world, to become a historic figure in the Me-Too Movement. This was not a career move. You do not have to be the biggest, loudest most impressive to make epic change. There is a PROFOUND MAGIC that can occur when an individual has their voice heard, their needs met, their personal experience validated. Giving someone that safe space to feel accepted and witnessed is incredibly powerful. You do not need to be a cardio thoracic god, a powerful lawyer or an environmental engineer to make a difference. You just need to 

Whether getting your information from the news, social media, or word of mouth, we’re constantly having opinions, trauma and downright negative vibes shoved down your throat. We are continually confronted by mass emotions from mass events, with nowhere to put them. 

We stuff it down, or we join the defence. There is no space anymore to express our feelings without being attacked. There’s a sense of disconnect from others and the world around us.We feel the need to pick a side and fight for it. We are desperate for connection, yet  persist in fixating on our differences. The Dalai Lama observed, The Planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, more healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds"

I think  many of us can agree that while Donald Trump may be successful, we could certainly use a lot less of him. 

I choose restorers.

I choose to rebuild broken ties.

I choose re-establishing a positive dialogue.

Re-building self-confidence. Identifying individual needs and addressing them. Lets talk about how difficult things are at home. Lets talk about how messed up the world is and how that makes us feel. Lets talk about racism and feminism and sexual fluidity to understand each other. Lets talk openly and connect, rather then picking sides of defence or offence. 

it.) whenever conversations get heated. Not only can we hear each other (loud and clear) now, but we can also focus on understanding each other, instead of preparing our retortbecause we fear never get a chance have our say. ​

I challenge you to [start within your safest, most comfortable, relationships] have those difficult conversations and express how you are feeling AND allow the other participant to do the same. 
When your mother, brother, grandparent, best friend, teacher, student, stranger becomes angry or unsettled or impolite.

Sit back and take a moment and think hmmm this individual is acting out, I wonder why?
Take it a step further and ask what do they need?How can you help?
Rather then sitting and judging and making assumptions that this person is an idiot, let empathy be your driving force. ​ 

We love to hear from you, so don't forget to comment below, message us on Facebook or tweet at us how it went! @lccommjustice #restorativelanarkcounty 

Imagine if your family regularly expressed their feelings to one another in a healthy, effective way.

Imagine if your boss stated expectations with a clear, respectful, safe approach allowing for open communication.

Imagine if your teacher took a moment to question why you were acting out. If your friends asked you What Happened, instead of What’s wrong with you?

Easier said then done.
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Restorative Practices have the power to create connection, strengthen relationships, and repair harm. Join us for a free skill building workshop to engage in the growing conversation around how to help those around us through positive social responses and restorative practices. Explore the impacts of trauma, strategies to create safe places and how to support anyone in your life who is struggling or experiencing some form of trauma or difficulty. The workshops are open to anyone and everyone and suitable for community members, parents, coaches, book clubs, faith groups, mom groups, service providers.