Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice

Cultivating restorative justice conversations, connections and learning. An initiative of the Center for Justice & Peacebuilding.

The Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice, founded in 2012, promotes dialogue and networking within the restorative justice field and provides education and training through web-based and onsite programs. Zehr Institute activities include:

- Webinars and online trainings
- Onsite trainings
- Palavers or consultations on specific topics or for specific groups
- Online training manuals and other publications
- Conduct selected documentaries, research and listening projects

03/24/2026

Direct service work is demanding under any circumstances. But in today's conditions it can be relentless and the toll on practitioners is real. Join Amy Dallas, public interest attorney and author of In Right Relationship: Practicing and Teaching Trauma-Responsive Restorative Advocacy, for an introduction to a practice framework that honors the humanity and wellbeing of both practitioners and those they serve, and supports dignity-centered work in or alongside systems that too often undermine it.

Connecting the dots between the science of stress and trauma and somatic, contemplative, and restorative practices, we'll explore how body-based awareness and relational attunement influence the way we show up in people-serving roles. Participants will have the opportunity to try a few accessible practices during the session and gain insights for downshifting overactivated responses in themselves and others. While our work is increasingly complex and the future is uncertain, strengthening our innate human capacities is essential—for those we serve, for ourselves, and for generating a more humane world.

12/10/2025

This session explores how restorative justice, raciolinguistic perspectives, and literacy practices can work together to repair harm, honor linguistic identity, and expand literacy opportunities for Black youth. Participants will learn practical approaches for restoring voice in classrooms and community spaces, with a focus on AAVE, equity, and healing-centered education.

01/13/2025

We have launched a search for our next Associate Director of the Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice! We are delighted to open this position as we dream about exciting possibilities for the Zehr Institute's future.

The Associate Director of the Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice works with the staff at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) to advance the use of restorative justice across campus and throughout the global community, and to help set priorities for activities sponsored by the Zehr Institute. The Associate Director is a public-facing representative of the Zehr Institute and CJP, and provides leadership for the mission, vision, and strategic plan/goals of the Zehr Institute. Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be considered for qualified candidates. This job posting will close on Friday January 31st.

To apply, please visit: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=f60e2e17-7d0a-4a36-80fe-03c75604c5ce&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=541993&lang=en_US!

09/05/2024

Fall webinar season is up!

September - Restorative Teaching Tools for Online Learning
October - Restorative Houston
November - Code Switch: Restorative Justice for Girls of Color
December - Little Book of Restorative Justice for Campus Sexual Harms

Links to register are in the comments!

Webinars | Zehr Institute [All Webinars will be livestreamed on Streamyard.com (click on the title link below to register and create a calendar event to view directly on Streamyard.com) and the Zehr Institute Youtube Channel]

09/05/2024

Join Kathleen & Lindsey for a FREE workshop with the Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice on September 18th. We will be facilitating activities from our new book so you can see them in action!

07/31/2024

Engaging panel conversation on ending mass incarceration - moderated by Troy Williams at NACRJ - National Association of Community & Restorative Justice

07/26/2024

Excited to be in DC next week at NACRJ - National Association of Community & Restorative Justice!

If you are a connection of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at EMU, and you are in DC for NACRJ, we’ll be having a gathering on Wednesday evening, July 31. Join the CJP at NACRJ WhatsApp group to stay connected: https://chat.whatsapp.com/D8jOJmEUPjNIfMxYHzsHez

See you there!

Zehr Institute RJ Day Keynote Speech - Sheryl R. Wilson

05/15/2024

The link to Sheryl R. Wilson's Keynote Address at ZI RJ Day on April 20 is now live! Check it out!

Zehr Institute RJ Day Keynote Speech - Sheryl R. Wilson Sheryl Wilson provided reflections as our Keynote Speaker for Zehr Institute's RJ Day on April 20, 2024.