The science of relationships and community.
All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive.
Restorative practices is a transdisciplinary field of study that examines how to strengthen relationships between individuals and improve social connections within communities. Restorative practices are used in conflict resolution, creating dialogue, bridging gaps across divided groups, and building cultures where all members have a voice, work more effectively together, and become more innovative.
In schools, restorative practices positively impact student behavior and school climate. They create a sense of belonging, minimize harm, and support student learning while cultivating students who are better equipped to navigate complex challenges, self-regulate, manage conflict, and become better citizens. They uncover the root causes of conflict and create a space to facilitate complex conversations to minimize harm, repair relationships, and identify solutions.
In workplaces, restorative practices are used to build diverse and resilient teams through a focus on responsibility, respect, and inclusive participation that sparks creativity and innovative ways of thinking.
In communities, restorative practices are used to facilitate complex conversations that enable diverse populations to collaborate. They create resilient and inclusive communities by effectively addressing community health and well-being, relational harm, and cultural differences. This spurs systemic change by energizing community members, supporting bottom-up activities, and empowering individuals.
Restorative practices has a deep resonance with and has been influenced by a variety of collective philosophical and theoretical perspectives, including indigenous cultures and traditions from around the world. The IIRP seeks to respect and connect the integrity and heart of traditional practices with relevant interdisciplinary knowledge and a commitment to relationality and community across the globe.
The IIRP Graduate School is the world’s first accredited graduate school that specializes in studying the field of restorative practices, providing education, research, and collaborative application services.
