Baltimore: A Restorative Practice District in 5 Years

CEO Sonja Santelises and the Board of School Commissioners for Baltimore City Public Schools has determined that City Schools will become a restorative practices district over the next five years. The Open Society Institute and the Family League of Baltimore are partnering with City Schools to develop a strategic plan to, at a minimum, implement restorative circles in all Baltimore City schools. Please join us as City Schools and their partners tell us more about restorative practices and the planning progress that has been made to date.  

Panelist include: 

• Karen Webber – OSI-Baltimore

• Erik Bandzak – Baltimore City Schools, Prevention and Intervention/Restorative Practice Coordinator

• Muriel Berkley – Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners

• Baltimore City Schools Principal

What is restorative practice?  According to the International Institute for Restorative Practices: 

"Restorative practices, which evolved from restorative justice, is a new field of study that has the potential to positively influence human behavior and strengthen civil society around the world. Restorative practices builds healthy communities, increases social capital, reduces the impact of crime, decreases antisocial behavior, repairs harm and restores relationships.

As an emerging social science, restorative practices integrates developments from a variety of disciplines and fields, including education, psychology, social work, criminology, sociology, organizational development and leadership." 

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members only.  Lunch will be served.