Restorative Justice Association of BC (RJABC) is excited to host its first Provincial Restorative Justice Symposium (PRJS). PRJS seeks to offer engagement and learning opportunities for RJ programs and practitioners in building capacity for victim-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices. This event also offers an opportunity to raise awareness of RJ and celebrate RJ advocates, supporters, practitioners, educators, participants, and researchers.

The 2023 PRJS Committee are seeking presenters for an in-person symposium on June 7-8, 2023. The theme is Gathering for Connection, Community, & Change: The Power of Restorative Justice. Since its establishment five years ago, Restorative Justice Association of BC (RJABC) has hosted several events from community dialogue gatherings, networking events, stakeholder strategic meetings, and the National RJ Symposium, positioning RJABC well to host BC’s first provincial restorative justice symposium this year.

The PRJS logo is comprised of semi-circle shapes rotating around an axis, each unique in its adoption of a shared colour palette. The repeating bright green outline creates a left to right rhythm, a motion of transition. The sturdiness of the shapes lends to a sense of stability, a deliberate and planned approach to an end. Symbolically the shapes go from lying flat to standing tall, a sense of rising. The logo’s defined lines and equal shapes evokes strong integrity, consistency, and structure while the layered effect symbolizes shifts, progress, and growth. The variations and gradients of green evokes community and change.

This call for presentations is for those who would like to present a lecture or panel, group discussion, skills workshop, or some other creative way to share information! It is our hope that workshops will involve participants in fruitful discussion about critical issues in restorative justice. We would love to hear about restorative justice research, knowledge, programs, approaches, tools, etc.

Streams of Programming

The 2023 streams of programming are community, connectivity, and change. Topics of interest include:

  • Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Principles

  • Decolonization

  • Women & Violence

  • Children & Youth

  • Seniors & Elders

  • LGBTQIA24+

  • Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour

  • Environment & Conservation

  • Health & Wellness

  • Mental Health Considerations

  • Accessibility Needs & Considerations

  • Trauma-Informed Engagement

  • RJ in Post-Secondary

  • Police, Probation, & Community-Based RJ

This list is not exhaustive. All ideas are welcome and will be duly considered. Presentations will last 60 minutes. If two individuals/groups want to share a spot, please note that on the application. If you are  interested in proposing a presentation, we invite you to complete the application form.

  • Completed forms must be submitted to restorativejusticeabc@gmail.com by April 17, 2023.
  • The Planning Committee will review all submissions and select workshops with an eye to diversity regarding topics and kinds of presentations, expertise, relevance, and tools that can be applied to the practice of restorative justice
  • Applicants will be informed of the planning committee’s decision by April 30, 2023.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM