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together to promote the multidirectional and healing can occur in all if given a chance.
approach of restorative justice practices. As This day promoted the idea of changing the
part of the ice breakers, a plant was placed in culture and mindset on all sides, that a better
the center of the circle and participants were approach to healing harm is by including those
asked what it meant to them. who have been harmed alongside those who
have done the harm.
Responses included
“Life.” Overall, the conference has been touted as a
“Anything is possible.” success, it brought individuals from all sides
“Physical substance is what we call plant, together for the first time. As it stands now, no
carbon, water, dirt. But it is what’s unseen one knows the full effect this event may have
that makes a plant a plant, makes it more than in the future. Based on the many positives,
just dirt, air, and water. Meaning is in the which came out of Graterford, there is plenty of
unseen.” optimism that actionable items will result, Plans
“Beauty, Resilience, Wisdom, Life.” are in the works to hold another conference
“I see something that needs to continue to next year, though it will likely be held in the
grow, just like me.” community in hopes to scale back the many
challenges associated with hosting such an
The last hour brought forth a closing round of event within a prison. Regardless of where it
speakers to summarize the day’s event, give will be held, we have taken the initial steps to
testimonial of true transformation, and ask the engage in meaningful conversations. As stated,
question, “What’s next?” These speakers were “Hurt people hurt people, but healed people
comprised of similar individuals as the first heal people.” The time to move is now.
hour, lending strength thattrue transformation

Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP)

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