Tomorrow Talk: The Courage to Repair - An Introduction to Restorative Justice Practices
- Tom Tom Foundation Staff
- Jan 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Tue, Mar. 10
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Tom Tom Foundation, 100 W. South St
As we prepare for the 14th Annual Tom Tom Festival (April 22–26, 2026), whose theme is COURAGE, the Tomorrow Talk series invites us to explore what courage looks like—in our personal lives, our neighborhoods, our communities, and our society.
The Courage to Repair asks a simple but profound question: What if courage meant facing harm with empathy, accountability, and a willingness to heal?
In this interactive workshop, Erin Campbell of Central Virginia Community Justice (CVCJ) will introduce restorative frameworks and practices that strengthen both individuals and the communities they’re part of. Participants will learn how slowing down, listening deeply, and honoring everyone’s humanity can transform conflict into connection.
CVCJ’s restorative justice model is used innovatively by Charlottesville and Albemarle’s criminal legal systems to divert cases away from the courtroom. In these circles, those who’ve been harmed can name what they need to heal, while those responsible for harm take action and accountability. The results are powerful: reduced trauma, deeper empathy, lower rates of reoffending, and safer, more compassionate communities.
Participants will explore how a punitive response to harm and conflict is engrained in us, but how restorative justice responses will often bring us more repair, safety and healing. This hands-on session will incorporate journaling, pair sharing, and if time, circle process–a structured form of sharing which slows down the conversation and equalizes participants.
Together, we’ll ask: What does it mean to be courageous enough to repair?
Registration is required. Tickets are offered at GA ($30) or Scholarship ($15) prices.
FACILITATORS
Erin Campbell, CVCJ Restorative Facilitator & Training Coordinator
Erin facilitates cases with Central Virginia Community Justice and runs trainings in conflict resilience and restorative practices for local groups and organizations. After completing a graduate degree in Conflict Transformation at Eastern Mennonite University, she has supported various group facilitation processes around important and often contentious issues. Erin sees communication, empathy and accountability as powerful, learnable skills that she seeks in her own life as well as in CVCJ work. Erin lives in a tiny house she built herself, and she loves mountain biking and adventuring with her eight nieces and nephews.
Central Virginia Community Justice provides a brave space for those involved in crime or harm to decide how the harm should be addressed, outside of a courtroom. People who have been harmed ask for what they need to heal, and those who are responsible for harm grow by taking action and accountability. This is restorative justice (RJ). RJ is a voluntary, confidential process that studies show reduces trauma symptoms, increases empathy, reduces reoffending, and makes communities safer.
Paul Beyer is the founder of the Tom Tom Foundation and Tom Tom Festival, and in his role as executive director, is responsible for its strategic vision and community partnerships. Beyond Tom Tom, Paul works on a variety of gatherings and events ranging from festivals, dance parties, dinner series, meditations, men's groups, conferences, seminars, and concerts.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Tomorrow Talks are a year-long series that picks up critical themes from our April Festival and continues the conversations to create impact in Charlottesville. Each session is facilitated with an emphasis on participation, connection, and new collaborations. Tomorrow Talks begin with a connection exercise or meditation, and proceed into a presentation and breakout activities. They aim to impart knowledge that is practical and relevant to people's lived experience; combining academic or theoretical insights, alongside pragmatic tools, and experiential and somatic learnings.
