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A Transformative Community Building Circle Training

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent 3-day Community Building Circle Training held at Central Synagogue. This impactful event brought together community members to learn the transformative circle process—a restorative approach to fostering deeper connections, mutual understanding, and trust between individuals and within communities.

Circles are a process that encourage participants to share personal stories, opinions, and emotions, and cultivates an environment of trust and understanding that allows bonds to form organically. Over the course of the training, participants were introduced to the principles of restorative justice, diving deep into the theory and practice behind it. They also gained hands-on experience in facilitating circles, building the confidence to lead meaningful conversations within their own community.

Before the gathering on September 11, 2024, participants took part in a training on restorative processes led by New York Peace Institute’s Ayanna Behin, Kailani Capote, and Ruby Phillips.

 

To put their new skills into practice, the synagogue hosted a community event that invited all members to experience the circle process firsthand. The response was overwhelmingly positive—participants expressed how quickly they connected on a deeper level and highlighted the profound impact of the circle process in bringing people together.

In a time when society is facing significant divisions, the importance of community building cannot be overstated. Creating safe spaces where individuals can share their experiences, engage in open dialogue, and foster empathy is crucial to bridging gaps and cultivating a sense of belonging. This training provided participants with the tools to nurture these environments, where understanding and connection can thrive.

The event was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of restorative practices in creating more cohesive and supportive communities. NYPI invites other organizations and groups to consider incorporating circle trainings as a valuable tool for strengthening relationships and building trust. Together, we can create spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and connected.

Interested in learning more or bringing this training to your organization? Contact us at [contact information] to explore how we can support your community-building efforts.

Join us in creating spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and connected.

New York City Bar Association to Host New York Peace Institute

Exploring Restorative Processes as a Means of Building Community and Addressing Conflict
October 16, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | In-Person Event at the New York Bar Association

We’re excited to announce an upcoming event at the New York Bar Association—a two-hour, in-person session designed to explore restorative practices and their role in fostering understanding, trust, and connection within diverse communities.

Organized by the New York City Bar in collaboration with the New York Peace Institute (NYPI), this event will introduce participants to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods and how these processes—particularly restorative justice—can help individuals and communities navigate conflict, repair harm, and heal divisions.

The evening will feature NYPI’s experienced leaders:

  • Jennifer Magida, Executive Director
  • Ayanna Behin, Director of Training and Conflict Consulting
  • Kailani Capote, Senior Manager, Restorative Justice Programming

These experts will guide attendees through the principles and practical applications of restorative processes. Participants will have the opportunity to experience a Community Building Circle—a powerful tool that encourages participants to share personal stories, build trust, and shift power dynamics. This method is especially important in supporting communities of color and other marginalized groups, helping to bridge divides and foster connections in a meaningful and empathetic way.

In a time when political and social divides are growing, events like these offer an opportunity for dialogue and connection that are critical to healing our communities. By participating in this session, you’ll gain insights into how restorative practices can help your clients, your communities, and your own professional practice.

Event Details:
📅 Date: October 16, 2024
🕔 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🏢 Location: New York Bar Association (In-Person)
💵 Program Fee: $20 for Members | $35 for Non-Members

Whether you’re an attorney, mediator, community leader, or simply interested in learning how to foster better communication and understanding, this event is for you. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and build skills that make a real impact.

Click [here] to learn more and register!

New York Peace Institute Featured in Brick Underground

For a recent article on handling the issue of harassment from a neighbor, Brick Underground reached out to Michele Kirschbaum, Director of Programs at New York Peace Institute, to learn about how mediation could be helpful. The article, “Is your neighbor harassing you? Follow these 4 steps to handle the problem” highlighted a couple of ways that mediation can help with this difficult situation that can be regrettably common in a place as densely populated as New York City.

For a link to the full article, click the image or the link below:

4 Steps to Stop Your Neighbor from Harassing You

Chris Daly’s Interview with Marti Fischer

Earlier this month, Chris Daly, Director of Mediator Training & Quality Assurance with New York Peace Institute, spoke with Author and Executive Coach Marti Fischer on the topic of navigating difficult conversations. Chris is an attorney, state-certified trainer, mediator, conflict coach & circle keeper who shares her wisdom and experience on this important topic.

The interview gives viewers some useful tips for navigating difficult conversations that can be used in the workplace, as well as in everyday life.

Here is a link to watch the full interview.

Here is a link to some key takeaways from the conversation as posted on Marti Fischer’s blog.

Update to New York Peace Institute Response to COVID-19

Thank you to all of our clients, donors, volunteers, and other supporters who have helped us through the past few years and our transition to make the provision of virtual conflict resolution and restorative services possible. At the present time, we provide both virtual and in-person mediation, trainings, and facilitated dialogues and circles. Please note that for the immediate future both our Manhattan and Brooklyn offices remain closed for walk-in clients.

We will continue to amend our policies to respond to the City’s health needs, as appropriate, moving forward. If you have additional questions or would like to arrange a free mediation, training, or other service, please visit our website and submit a request or reach out to us at info@nypeace.org.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Give Community on Giving Tuesday

Tuesday, November 29th is Giving Tuesday. This Giving Tuesday, give the gift of community by donating to New York Peace Institute!

Community is a core value in all our work. Additionally, we have created an incredibly important community of staff, volunteers, Board members, and supporters. And, perhaps most importantly, we work with diverse communities across New York City to provide necessary conflict resolution and restorative services, including trainings, mediations, circles, and facilitated dialogues.  To give and learn more about how your gift can help New York Peace Institute, visit this link.

Can I make my neighbor mow his lawn?

NYTimes asked what to do when your neighbor is not abiding by city rules for homeowners. (See article here.) Our Director of Programs, Michele Kirschbaum, provided advice – including to get mediation from New York Peace Institute.  Give us a call!

NYPI Launches New Landlord-Tenant Mediation Project in Partnership with NYC and other local CDRCs

New York Peace Institute is excited to announce the launch of a new program – the Landlord-Tenant Mediation Project – that is a direct response to COVID-19 and the adverse impact it has had on NYC tenants’ ability to maintain their homes. This new project, developed and implemented by NYPI in partnership with the City of New York and other local non-profit Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs), will serve hundreds of New Yorkers each month by addressing rent-related and other housing issues in a mediation setting outside of the housing court system, with a focus on neighborhoods most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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