Core Principles of Restorative Practices - Restorative practices emphasize understanding harm, identifying needs, and involving stakeholders in making things right, shifting from blame and punishment to responsibility and dignity [2] - Connection replaces isolation, fostering a sense of value and belonging within communities [2][6] - Restorative practices and peacebuilding represent a shift in mindset from reacting to reflecting, and from shutting down to showing up [5][6] Benefits and Impact - Schools implementing restorative conferencing have experienced an 18% reduction in out-of-school suspensions and a 35% decrease in student arrests, demonstrating real data-driven results [3] - Connection leads to healing for everyone involved, creating a better path forward instead of pushing students out [3] - Investing in connection leads to safer schools, stronger workplaces, and more compassionate communities [6] Implementation and Approach - The process involves human conversation, accountability, and compassion as the foundation for change [7] - Communities should focus on creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued [6] - Instead of blaming, the focus shifts to how to repair harm [6]