A Restorative Moment
On Saturday January 21, 2017, I attended Toronto's Women's March in support of Equal Rights. As I stood in a throng of tens of thousands of people at Queen's Park, I caught sight of this young girl holding aloft a sign which read, "Be Brave Choose Love." The placard reminded me of a quote from Chief Joseph, " The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it." Yet to reach this goal, it takes love. A love that manifests itself in cooperation. Cooperation to know that when we have had our say, we must allow all to express their stories and needs. A love that recognizes there is a responsibility to listen to each other. A listening that goes beyond hearing. A listening that requires each of us to bring an open heart and mind to another's story, and to leave judgment at the door. A love that brings forth humility. In order to treat our neighbour with respect, we must realize that we have not walked the path they have, we have not borne their pains, and we have not been subjected to the fears and ridicule that they have encountered. I must simply and humbly walk beside them, use empathy as a balm to soothe their wounds.
Yet the question remains, what can I do? Numerous speakers said this moment should not pass, each of us must be called to action. This clarion call spoke to me. It highlighted for me the importance of what I do. Yes, education is a marvellous tool to impart lessons on inclusion, diversity and acceptance. As a teacher, I can model these not only for my students, but the staff and parents I work with daily. However, and most importantly, it reminded me that the use of Restorative Practice is the most effective tool I have encountered to build and maintain relationships, create safe spaces where all are included, hear all voices, manage difficult dialogue, and provide a framework for strong, healthy, learning communities.
For in a year that has begun with a sense of anger, fear and divisiveness, marked by cries of us versus them, we must redouble our efforts to provide a framework for our students, teachers, and community to give them a voice. We must encourage dialogue where it is okay to disagree but never okay to be disagreeable. We must gather in circle to celebrate our stories, support each other through times of pain and sadness, and be brave enough to choose love. As Nelson Mandela stated, "to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
