Welcome
A little info about us…

Rita Alfred, Founding Director of RJTI, was the first Restorative Justice Coordinator in Oakland Unified School District.  Her work at Cole Middle School in West Oakland demonstrated the positive impact Peacemaking Circles and Restorative Justice can have on youth and those working in service of youth in schools. Since 2006 she has trained hundreds of educators, students, nonprofit workers, after-school program providers, and more.  She continues to learn and change as she discovers even more about being restorative, taking responsibility and making amends. She is profoundly grateful to her indigenous teachers who helped her connect in a deeper and more fundamental way to the Earth and her gifts. She is the proud mother of two young men and grandmother of two. 

ritar.alfred@gmail.com

Gina M. Hill has been an educator in Oakland, California public schools for over twenty years as a Teacher, after school Program Coordinator, Principal, etc. As Principal of Oakland Emiliano Zapata Street Academy high school, she led school wide implementation of Peacemaking Circles, Restorative Justice and Dynamic Mindfulness in an effort to resist institutionally racist norms that ultimately funnel our most vulnerable youth into the school-to-prison pipeline. Under her leadership, graduation rates tripled and the dropout rate was cut in half. On the weekends you’ll find her samba dancing or practicing yoga.

ginamariahill@gmail.com

Our vision is the healing and education of all young people in a joyful way so that they and we, as adults and educators will be successful.

Our mission is to provide healing spaces where educators can reflect on what they are doing to educate youth in an anti-racist, anti-classist, and anti-homophobic, equitable and grounded in positive social values way.

We know for this to happen we have to engage with youth, families and various adults and systems stakeholders who enter in and out of youths’ lives. We understand that our youth are our leaders and consultants. We listen and hear what our youth are advising when they tell us about their experiences in the schools, community and homes. We think, feel and act in accordance with what will help young people be successful in their lives now and later on on Life. The most important thing we can offer them is our healthy relationship with them.

Podcasts are coming…

Check out our podcast for insights on the go. Guided training tools, guest speakers and panel discussions. New episodes uploaded every week.