One participant's account of their RJ experience...
When we talk about the effect Restorative Justice has on those involved in an intervention, it is often difficult to capture exactly what it means to each participant. Of course data can represent the numbers behind a circle or conference, but this fails to express the emotions or thoughts that make the interventions so powerful. This is why we rely on anecdotes and stories, or survey comments to reinforce the impact Restorative Justice can have.One such story was recently shared with us by a parent who sought out Restorative Justice in response to an incident she was directly involved with. We felt it was important to share this account of her experience, in the hopes it put

Thank you Jay!
We frail humans are at one time capable of the greatest good and, at the same time, capable of the greatest evil. Change will only come about when each of us takes up the daily struggle ourselves to be more forgiving, compassionate, loving, and above all joyful in the knowledge that, by some miracle of grace, we can change as those around us can change too. -- Mairead MaguireI never had extended contact with Jay, but he was at several of my interviews in the process of being hired with CMRJI. In my contact with him since, he has always been sincere and genuine, and kind; certainly traits you don't find in many people anymore. I have alway

The Measure of a Man
Real men aren't measured by their height and wingspan, but by their depth and reachReal men aren't measured by their degrees and accolades, but by their wisdom Real men aren't measured by their conquests, but by how they treat every personReal men aren't measured by their discoveries, but by how they live day to dayReal men aren't measured by the loudness of their voices, but by how they mean what they say.Jay Stark-Dykema: Real manIn peace and love,Greg Lawton

Dear Jay
Dear Jay,You will certainly be missed! You were there when I was first interviewed for RJ back in March, 2008. You had interesting questions for me to respond to. I thank you for electing me to be on employed with the RJ staff. It has been an amazing year!You have your cool, laid back nature of speaking. It took me awhile to adjust. As the months and year grew on, I now know that when you speak, you are prosaic, articulate and insightful in what you wish to ask or discuss. You show remarkable strength and diligence in obtaining a goal that will be educational and successful for today’s youth.Thank you for taking an interest in my RJ work in the G