Rio

Bangu

Over the course of a few days back home, 3 meetings occured which have stayed with me.

Firstly, straight off the plane from the North, I presented RC to a group of about 60 inmates at the Bangu prison complex. This is an adult prison, and home to many of the drug gang leaders whose actions have so influenced the city in the last few decades. (For an excellent overview of this situation in English, click here)

The meeting was fast paced and serious. What was this idea? How could I imagine this would ever work? How can you suggest correctional officers and judges suffer in the current system? If I'm a drug dealer, who have I harmed?

The inmates had only a brief respite from life in a rat-infested cell with 55 others. Many chose to step outside and wait in the yard. As I spoke the group that stayed moved closer, and before we left there was consensus: we want this here.

I hope to begin Facilitator Practice modules for inmates, and offering support as they set up their system for internal prison conflicts, in the New Year.

OAB

Two days later, at the other extreme of the social divide, I presented the work to an audience of lawyers and others at the Lawyer's Association. The reception was intense and positive, in part as we all pondered the immense changes Rio will be going through with the Olympics coming in 7 years.

Presenting at the Lawyer's Association, one of the most powerful professional bodies in the country, has a particular resonance for me, as their interest in the RJ projects has frequently been marked by challenges to our practice. The institutionalization of restorative practices heralds big changes for them. Those who invited me already sense the profound change in values and a renewal of the basic tenets of advocacy that this work can support.

I was surprised and encouraged by the response. This week the group that invited me was re-elected for another two year term of office at the head of the organisation in Rio (as were those who initiated this relationship, in Rio Grande do Sul), and plans are already being made for ongoing partnership into 2010.

Schools

Following the conference I wrote about last month, a meeting was held at the Central Court building, with teachers and school administrators from Rio and surrounding municipalities, to explore the possibilities of developing RC projects in schools.

Educational change consultant Monica Mumme, who has partnered with us in many of the São Paulo state projects, was the host and much was said about the challenges teachers face from colleagues, parents and students.

Flavia Fassi had done much of the ground work to get me into Bangu, and it was she that came downstairs and empathically walked me off to buy a pair of trousers when I was declined admittance to the court building due to my shorts. More importantly, she gave me time and support to remember that I want to practice what I preach, before I entered the meeting and opened my mouth.

I'm hopeful that things will keep moving forward. A formal project in Rio would give me the chance to actually live in the same city as an RC project, something I haven't experienced for over 5 years now. I'll keep you all posted.