🌿 VTC Restorative Justice Circle Procedure Manual 🌿

🌱 Introduction

Welcome to the Virtual Tribal Council (VTC) Restorative Justice Circle Procedure Manual. This manual offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to conducting Restorative Justice Circles. Council Members, Affected Individuals, Involved Individuals, and community observers will find this guide essential for understanding the different stages and expectations in the restorative justice process. Hashtag: #VTCCircleProcedureManual

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🌳 Pre-Circle Preparations 🌳

🗒️ Case Review

Council Members will receive case summaries and any related documents to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

📆 Scheduling

An agreed-upon date and time for the circle will be determined, taking into consideration the availability of all parties involved.

📣 Communication

Notification about the scheduled date, time, and required materials for review will be sent to all participants well in advance. Hashtag: #PreCirclePreparations

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🌼 Opening Circle 🌼

🌟 Setting the Tone

The Council Facilitator initiates the circle by welcoming participants and outlining the goals, ethical guidelines, and expected etiquette for participation.

🙏 Opening Ritual

This could be a moment of silence, a collective deep breath, or a shared reading—aimed at inviting mindfulness into the space. Hashtag: #OpeningCircleProcedures

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🌸 Sharing Perspectives 🌸

🗨️ Affected Individual

The Affected Individual is provided a safe and respectful platform to share their experiences and feelings without being interrupted.

🗨️ Involved Individual

Following the Affected Individual, the Involved Individual shares their own perspective, ensuring all sides of the story are heard.

🗨️ Council Members

Council Members may then ask questions aimed at gathering further information and understanding the issue more deeply. Hashtag: #SharingPerspectivesProcedure

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🌺 Exploring the Impact 🌺

💭 Discussion

A structured discussion is facilitated to openly address the consequences, both emotional and practical, of the actions involved.

👂 Listening

During this time, active listening is critical. All parties should refrain from interjecting while someone else is speaking, to ensure emotional nuances are captured. Hashtag: #ExploringImpactProcedure

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🌻 Creating Understanding 🌻

🤝 Finding Common Ground

The circle endeavors to identify points of agreement and shared values that might serve as the foundation for resolution.

📝 Plan

Following this, Council Members assist both parties in developing a concrete, actionable plan for restitution and future interaction. Hashtag: #CreatingUnderstandingProcedure

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🍂 Closing Circle 🍂

📜 Summary

The Council Facilitator provides a summary that encapsulates the key points discussed, the agreements reached, and any commitments made for future action.

🙏 Closing Ritual

The circle concludes with a unifying activity that fosters a sense of closure, be it another moment of silence, a thank-you round, or a collective affirmation. Hashtag: #ClosingCircleProcedure

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🌾 Post-Circle Activities 🌾

💌 Follow-up

A session will be scheduled to review the progress made in implementing the agreed-upon actions and commitments.

🎁 Energetic Exchange

Tokens of appreciation, whether gifts or donations, will be accepted and distributed among the active Council Members. Hashtag: #PostCircleActivities

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🌐 For Community Observers 🌐

Community members are welcome to observe the circle. Observers should practice mindfulness and respect by not interrupting. While observing, it's important to remember that some portions of the discussion may be confidential and, therefore, not open for public discussion or sharing. Hashtag: #CommunityObserverGuidelines

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In following this in-depth procedure manual, we ensure that the principles and practices of Restorative Justice are upheld. This collaborative process aims not only to resolve conflicts but also to foster a better, more compassionate future for all involved. 🌳🌟 Hashtag: #VTCCircleCompleteProcedureManual