Statewide Equity Audit of Vermont Restorative Justice Programs
TCDG Co-Founder Dr. Nadia DuBose with the Global Majority Affinity Space participants at the VT Restorative Justice Community + Volunteers Conference | June 2024 | Photo: Vibe Consulting Founder Kendra Malone (far left)
October 1, 2024
The Vermont Restorative Justice Centers (RJC) faced challenges in embedding equity and inclusion within their organizational culture, systems, and community outreach. Gaps in equity-driven practices, misalignment of state agency policies with restorative justice principles, and systemic barriers to equitable access were significant obstacles. The project aimed to assess these challenges comprehensively and create actionable recommendations to transform the equity landscape in Vermont’s restorative justice work through it’s Education Through Data, Justice, Inclusion, and Equity (EDJIE) Initiative.
The Creative Discourse Group conducted an Equity Assessment encompassing document reviews, stakeholder surveys, focus groups, and interviews with funders and community members. We facilitated workshops on interrupting racism, bystander intervention, and implementing HR practices in restorative justice. Additionally, TCDG presented key findings and recommendations to RJC leaders, emphasizing equity-driven organizational systems, inclusive community engagement, and actionable steps for diversifying staff and volunteers. These efforts culminated in a comprehensive Equity Assessment Report. Following the assessment, TCDG facilitated workshops with Vermont’s Restorative Justice leaders to provide additional implementation and learning support.
TCDG Co-Founder Dr. Nadia DuBose with Vermont’s Restorative Justice Center Directors and Leaders.
The initiative positioned the RJC’s to better reflect on the gaps and systemic challenges for equity-driven cultures and service. Key outcomes included:
Enhanced awareness of strengths and challenges in current organizational systems, recruitment, and community engagement.
A plan to develop standardized referral protocols to reduce bias and improve access.
Strengthened alignment of restorative justice practices with equity principles through actionable recommendations.
Identified concrete opportunities for continued collaboration to integrate equity into restorative justice philosophy and practice."
This work established a framework for ongoing equity-focused growth, equipping Vermont RJCs to navigate systemic challenges and better serve their communities.
“ We asked TCDG to take on a monumental task of assessing equity and inclusion statewide, across multiple state agencies and over 20 individual organizations. They approached our community with curiosity, taking time to understand the unique identities of the people who work, volunteer and participate in our programs. Every step of the way, their team provided opportunities for input and feedback on the design of the audit to assure the process would lift up the voices and the insight we were seeking. We appreciate their dedication to our initiative and feel we have a clear understanding of ways to improve equity and inclusion within our restorative justice programs.”
To learn more about the EDJIE initiative visit https://www.vcjn.org/edjie-about or https://www.vcjn.org/edjie-equityaudit to learn more about TCDG’s specific EDJIE work.
