Burlington Community Justice Center

In the wake of societal upheavals following George Floyd's murder and the far-reaching consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, addressing complex issues such as racial injustice and post-Covid disparities has become paramount. Vermont's Community Justice Centers, including the Burlington Community Justice Center (BCJC), play a vital role in offering restorative responses to conflict and crime, presenting an alternative to traditional punitive measures.

Over recent years, TCDG has worked with several community justice centers across the state, including BCJC. The BCJC recognized the need to confront a series of organizational challenges, leading them to engage TCDG for an equity assessment in 2022. This comprehensive assessment, involving surveys, interviews, and listening sessions, focused on both the external impact and internal organizational culture of BCJC. The subsequent report provided a roadmap of recommendations to address gaps, promote inclusivity, and reshape organizational structures.

Rachel Jolly, BCJC's Director, remarked on the assessment's impact: "the greatest value...is that it gave our goals and objectives a much better focus."

Post-assessment, BCJC has taken proactive steps, initiating staff conversations on race and restorative justice, revitalizing their Outreach Committee, and involving community partners in staff meetings. Notably, BCJC launched a Cultural Advocate program in collaboration with Essex CJC, fostering cultural restoration by training and paying advocates from diverse communities to participate on restorative panels.

BCJC is incorporating racial literacy as a crucial skill for newly hired white people and providing affinity group experiences for newly hired people of color. Despite ongoing challenges, the organization is committed to addressing bias response and accountability within its HR structure.

TCDG's analysis and recommendations have empowered BCJC to implement a plan of action, propelling them towards a restorative, equitable, and inclusive approach to public safety. As they strive to address "the roots and impacts of crime and conflict so that everyone experiences dignity, safety, and justice," BCJC affirms their commitment to  their pursuit of a more just society.