Rami El Gharib

Restorative Justice Coordinator

Covid has both isolated and disconnected us from our friends and families, and many of us have been craving that sense of connection again. To bring some peace to our community, YouthZone is holding a “Listen to your Community” project. This project aims to hold restorative community building circles within different groups, and to hear the needs of and revive our connectedness with them through listening.

These circles will address any topic in mind. YouthZone’s Restorative Justice Coordinator, Rami El Gharib, has trained volunteers to construct their own circles, and to be circle keepers. These volunteers will regularly facilitate listening groups within the community, providing dependable support to those who need it most.

Rami said, “We are really excited to give people a place to listen and be heard. It’s been a hard year and I think everyone could benefit from some support.”

YouthZone volunteers will decide what topic and community they’d like to hold restorative circles with, and will then build a circle template. With Rami’s help, the volunteers will observe, create a plan, and carry it out in their communities. People can get involved by contacting YouthZone’s Restorative Justice Coordinator to schedule a training.

This project hopes to provide more cohesion within our community and build relationships and engagement as we continue to move through the pandemic. YouthZone is excited to begin this project, strengthen communities, and spread restorative practices across the Roaring Fork Valley. Make sure to look out for community listening circles beginning near you in the coming months.

If you are interested in volunteering to training to be a facilitator, contact [email protected].