Core Skills in Restorative Justice is a cohort-based training for people who want practical, relational tools for navigating conflict, facilitating dialogue, strengthening accountability, and building healthier communities and organizations.
Over eight live online sessions, participants will develop foundational skills in restorative communication, circle facilitation, conflict transformation, and ethical engagement—while grounding their learning in reflection, embodiment, and real-world application. This training serves as a strong entry point for people interested in restorative facilitation, conflict transformation, organizational culture work, or future advanced restorative practice training.
Scholarships are available to support access. We are deeply grateful to the Maine Street Foundation for helping to make scholarships available.
Who This Is For
This series is designed for people who:
- Work with conflict, accountability, or relationship repair
- Support youth, communities, organizations, or systems
- Are new to restorative justice or seeking to strengthen their foundations
- Want practical tools grounded in dignity, care, and ethical practice
No prior restorative justice training is required.
What You’ll Learn
- Learn the essentials of restorative justice principles
- Understand the core elements of circle practice and facilitated dialogue
- Strengthen personal understanding and restorative presence
- Grow in restorative communication, listening, and inquiry
- Learn approaches to accountability, repair, and conflict transformation
- Strengthen personal sustainability and care when working with conflict
- Explore ways to apply restorative practices in your own context
Meet Your Instructor
Melody Stanford Martin is the Executive Director of Restorative Justice Institute and author of Brave Talk: Building Resilient Relationships in the Face of Conflict. Melody is a social ethicist, restorative justice practitioner, and communications expert focused on rhetorical innovation, courageous community engagement, and creative approaches to social change. Melody is a graduate of the Conflict Transformation program at Boston University, where she obtained her Master’s of Divinity. Melody has worked for many years as a consultant, executive coach, facilitator, and speaker, teaching businesses, families, nonprofits, faith communities, and government organizations the art of restorative practice and building resilient relationships.
Program Structure
- 8 weekly sessions
- June 15, 6-8pm EST
- June 22, 6-8pm EST
- June 29, 6-8pm EST
- July 13, 6-8pm EST
- July 20, 6-8pm EST
- July 27, 6-8pm EST
- August 3, 6-8pm EST
- August 10, 6-8pm EST
- Live, interactive online sessions (2 hours each)
- Location: Virtual
- Guided practice activities and reflection between sessions
- Optional peer practice and community discussion space
- Facilitated by experienced restorative practitioners
- Sessions are interactive and designed to support connection, practice, and engagement.
This is an embodied, learning-focused series rather than a certification program. Emphasis is placed on skill-building, reflection, and readiness to apply restorative approaches thoughtfully and responsibly.
Scholarships & Accessibility
We are committed to making restorative learning accessible.
- Scholarships are available (up to 50%)
- Sliding scale options available
If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship or reach out to us directly.
CEUs and Professional Development
Participants who complete the training will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting instructional and participation hours.
Many school districts, educational institutions, and professional organizations accept independent professional development trainings toward continuing education or recertification requirements. Upon request, RJI can provide supporting documentation such as training hours, course descriptions, and learning objectives to assist participants in submitting for professional development credit.
Acceptance of professional development or continuing education credit is determined by each individual district, licensing board, employer, or professional body.
Questions? Contact Melody Stanford Martin, Executive Director at mmartin@rjinstitute.org.