Andre Griggs, founder of the Restorative Justice League has created a program that promotes social and emotional learning. In an atmosphere that develops self-awareness, Andre is helping students foster relationship skills, communication, and leadership development.  Most important, he said, he’s seen a boost in confidence in students who participate in the program. “It’s an evolution process,” Griggs said. “They start believing in themselves. They see their attributes and they realize they are more than the streets.”

Restorative alternatives offer a more effective approach and are a viable alternative to traditional disciplinary policies. The way we plan to bring awareness of alternative concepts will be by targeting the interest through advocacy, skills based scenarios, critical thinking and real life situations. Adults and youth will have increased participation and support by implementing restorative justice practices thereby reducing suspensions/expulsions as evidenced by implementation of a Restorative Justice League Panel and peer mediation as part of the school districts discipline policy and procedures. Restorative Justice League Educational Consulting development and implementation of an on-campus restorative justice panel and mentoring program as an alternative disciplinary action will meet the requirements for other means of correction and behavior modification. The conference component will provide a preventive and educational outreach resource to engage youth to positive alternative activities.