“Donations to our fiscally sponsored projects allow them to respond to critical needs in our community. Thanks to the support of many donors, Community Initiatives serves inspired leaders as they build new programs to benefit us all.”

M. Melanie Beene
PRESIDENT AND CEO
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth

RJOY works to interrupt tragic cycles of incarceration, violence, unsafe schools and communities, and wasted lives by promoting a cultural shift toward restorative responses to harm that actively engage youth, their victims, and their families, schools, and communities in a shared search for ways to repair it and prevent its recurrence. We provide education, training, and technical assistance and collaboratively launch demonstration programs with our school, community, juvenile justice, and research partners.  Beginning in 2007, RJOY’s city-funded West Oakland Middle School pilot project eliminated violence and expulsions, and reduced suspension rates by87%. By the end of our time at Cole, students conducted their own peacemaking circles and learned to communicate in non-violent ways. We continue this groundbreaking work in some of Oakland’s most challenging schools, and you can partner with us by becoming a donor of much needed supplies.

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