ACResolution Magazine

ACResolution Magazine is published by the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)

EDITORS

Richard Barbieri Lois Edmund

2016–2017 BOARD OF DIREC TORS
EXECUTIVE COMMI T TEE
President Bryan Hanson
President-Elect Sunny Gutierrez
Immediate Past President Donzell Robinson
Vice President Leslie Nelson
Secretary Lois Edmund
Treasurer Christy Cumberlander Walker
Vice Treasurer Kelly Riley
Executive Director Cheryl L. Jamison

DIRECTORS
Chapters Director Richard Barbieri
Jacquelyn Bleck
Erricka Bridgeford
Mary Damianakis
Sarah Espinosa
Mike Maday
Katrina Nobles
Sheila Sproule

ACResolution Magazine (ISSN 1537-6648)
is published quarterly by the Association for
Conflict Resolution, 1639 Bradley Park Dr.,
Ste 500-142, Columbus, GA 31904.

Copyright ©2017 by the
Association for Conflict Resolution.

This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission.

Design: Paul Streeto

Editorial Policy: The views expressed in this publication are those of the various authors for the purpose of encouraging discussion. Unless expressly noted, they do not reflect the formal policy, nor necessarily the views, of the Association for Conflict Resolution or its editorial staff.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to subject matters covered. It is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

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ACResolution Magazine, 1639 Bradley Park Drive Ste 500-142

Columbus, GA 31904

www.ACRnet.org

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this expanded issue of ACResolution. Our editors collaborated with the Community Mediation and Restorative Justice sections of ACR to create this issue, focused on the integration of restorative justice principles into the work we do as practitioners. The number of thoughtful articles submitted for this theme indicates the rising trend of practitioners acknowledging the benefit of employing restorative practices.

As I reflect upon the content you will read in this issue, I am heartened by the hope it inspires in times that have seen communities around the world affected by divisive rhetoric and actions. The International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) ex-presses the benefits that the mindful use of restorative practices can foster. These benefits include (a) a reduction in crime, violence, and bullying; (b) improvement in human behaviors; (c) a stronger civil society; (d) an increase in effective leadership behaviors; (e) restoration of relationships; and (f) reparation of harm experienced.

I truly believe the perspectives,
approaches, and skills we embody as
practitioners in the field of conflict will
be strengthened by the awareness of
the principles and benefits of restor-
ative practices. This awareness will
help us guide those in our communi-
ties experiencing conflict toward con-
structive and healing outcomes. I trust
you will find the articles in this issue
provide the inspiration to integrate the
principles described within the articles
into your mental frameworks as you
approach your work in the future.

One further aspect of this issue that requires acknowledgement relates to the editing team that coordinated the development of this issue. Richard Barbieri (ACR Board member and Chapters Director) and Lois Edmund (ACR Board Member, Secretary of the Board, and Restorative Justice Section Chair) teamed up to develop this current issue. Their efforts and expertise produced a compelling read that I am sure you will enjoy and appreciate.

This is the first time in many years that the issue was created without the thoughtful and discerning eyes of Cindy Alm and Bill Stempel. Their work throughout the years has provided a wealth of resources for practitioners. As President of ACR, I want to extend my thanks to them as the work they provided was completely voluntary. Please do take the time and review the many archived issues that are available via the ACR website: http://www.acresolution-digital.org/ acresolutionmag.