NACRJ Launches Inaugural DEIJ Committee: Building a More Inclusive Restorative Justice Movement

NCDD Network Partner, ​The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) has officially launched its first-ever Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Committee, marking a significant milestone in its mission to build a more inclusive and equitable restorative justice movement. This new initiative follows NACRJ’s June 2024 Resolution Statement and reflects a deepened commitment to embedding DEIJ principles across the organization’s practices, policies, and partnerships. Composed of experienced leaders in restorative justice, education, and community advocacy from across North America, the committee will focus on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and collaborative action within the organization and beyond. Read more in the blog post below.

---

---

​The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) has taken a significant step forward in their commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just organization with the launch of their inaugural DEIJ Committee. As a member of the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD), NACRJ's focus on meaningful dialogue and community-centered approaches aligns perfectly with NCDD's mission to foster conversations that bring people together across divides.

A Timely Initiative

Following their Resolution Statement published in June 2024, NACRJ has assembled a remarkable team of dedicated professionals to serve on the DEIJ Committee. This group will play a crucial advisory role in helping the organization develop internal practices, programs, and partnerships that reflect a genuine commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles.
​
"Although NACRJ has always embraced DEIJ principles, as a growing association, this committee helps identify strategies that enables NACRJ to grow and evolve as a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just organization in all its forms," notes the organization in their announcement.

Committee Focus Areas

The DEIJ Committee will concentrate on five key areas:

1. Diversity: Ensuring NACRJ is led and informed by diverse voices and perspectives
2. Equity: Creating equitable delivery of resources and support services to members
3. Inclusion: Building an inclusive environment where all members feel valued and respected
4. Justice: Applying restorative principles such as relationship-building, accountability, and healing
5. Collaborative Action: Developing effective partnerships with organizations committed to DEIJ principles

Meet the Committee Members

The committee brings together professionals from across North America with extensive backgrounds in restorative justice, education, community organizing, and DEIJ work:

• Amanda Ruiz (Boston, MA): Director of Operations at Communities for Restorative Justice and first-generation Salvadoran-American focused on amplifying marginalized voices
• Becky Gabany (Springfield, IL): Founder of ChangeBridge Consulting with certifications as both a Certified Diversity Professional and Executive
• Dr. Bettie Ray Butler (Charlotte, NC): Professor of Urban Education whose research explores the intersection of restorative approaches and education
• Chauna Perry Finch (Milwaukee, WI): Educational consultant supporting K-12 schools in implementing restorative practices through an equity lens
• Candace Okello (Pittsburgh, PA): Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Civility Initiatives at Carnegie Mellon University
• Tashika McBride (Bronx, NY): Professor coordinating the Human Rights Education and Transformative Justice advanced graduate certificate program
• Mythri Vijendran (Toronto, Canada): Public health professional with 15 years of experience in not-for-profit sector
• Poet Williams (Durham, NC): Formerly incarcerated community organizer, advocate, and restorative justice practitioner
• Priscilla Prutzman (Hastings on Hudson, NY): Co-founder and Executive Director of Creative Response to Conflict
• Dr. Regina Armour (Chicago, IL): Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Concept Schools
• Sonia Calles Mesa (Skokie, IL): Self-described "white-passing, non-accented immigrant" committed to shifting the paradigm of what's inevitable in society
• Sheryl Wilson (North Newton, KS): Former NACRJ board president with over 20 years of experience as a restorative justice practitioner
• Tanynya Hekymara (Inglewood, CA): Educator and community organizer focused on reshaping narratives and systems

A Vision for Growth

As a national restorative justice organization, NACRJ is committed to growing in ways that do not perpetuate systems of oppression while honoring the connection between restorative justice practices and Indigenous wisdom. The DEIJ Committee will support this vision by:

• Deepening collective understanding of DEIJ principles
• Exploring how these principles strengthen community and restorative justice practices
• Supporting learning opportunities and informing policies
• Developing a sustainable committee structure for long-term impact
  
  

"This group of committed members and leaders will support learning opportunities, help inform policies, and develop a committee structure that ensures long-term sustainability and meaningful impact," states NACRJ in their announcement.

For the dialogue and deliberation community, NACRJ's initiative serves as an inspiring model for how organizations can thoughtfully integrate DEIJ principles into their core structure and mission.
NCDD members interested in learning more about NACRJ's DEIJ Committee and their collective mission can visit the NACRJ website (www.nacrj.org/deij-committee/) for additional information about upcoming opportunities to engage and ways to get involved in this important work.