Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice

At Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice we believe our community flourishes when people feel connected and safe and relationships are built and repaired. We recognize restorative justice as the preferred choice when dealing with many types of crime and harm.  

We use a restorative conference process focused on: 

1) what happened, 2) how did it cause harm, and 3) how can the harm be repaired or "made better".

Due to your support and commitment, SLRJ is a recognized leader in Minneapolis in assisting individuals and organizations to envision and create a restorative community with the skills and capacity to care for each other and to make amends even in difficult circumstances.

Your donation keeps SLRJ nimble and responsive to the communities emerging needs as we work together to transform public safety. 

Board member Juan, Referral Coordinator Chivon, and Executive Director Michele prepare for an outreach event at Brackett Park.

Accomplishments in 2022

Finalized a referral process and paid contract with the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights to offer a restorative alternative for complaints that do not meet civil rights criteria.

Collaborated with City of Nations Storytelling on the creation of Unscripted Stories, a documentary elevating the experiences of Somali business owners on Lake Street during and after the unrest. Unscripted Stories premiered at the Mixed Blood Theater in May with a second showing in October at the Hook and Ladder with a panel discussion with Somali business owners. Advocacy and outreach to share the stories with elected officials and other decision-makers is ongoing. 

Executive Director Michele Braley and Board Vice-Chair Rebecca Miller with Producer Abdu Rahman at the Unscripted Stories Premiere.

Embarked on a strategic visioning process with Propel for Nonprofits to set the stage for the next chapter of SLRJ. You can read more about changes in referrals in this article from the September Longfellow Messenger.

Moved into a beautiful suite in the Ivy Building, on 27th Avenue just north of Lake Street, in the Seward neighborhood.

Board and Staff strategic visioning retreat facilitated by Propel for Nonprofits at the new office  

Continued collaboration on the Youth Restorative Justice Act, House File 4150, with plans to advance this effort during the 2023 legislative session.

Publicized the report, Challenges and opportunities to using restorative justice frameworks for gender-based violence, based on interviews with practitioners in the field.

Supported the Seward Vaccine Equity Project as their fiscal sponsor. The Health Affairs on-line journal highlighted their work in the article Lessons From An Immigrant-Focused Community COVID-19 Vaccination Organization.

Returned to in-person restorative processes while continuing to offer virtual processes as needed.

Responded to direct requests from community members for restorative processes instead of policing or courts. Provided facilitation and consultation in response to many types of harm including interpersonal conflicts and thefts.

Developed and led numerous trainings and workshops in response to requests from wide-ranging audiences including fire intervention specialists, social workers, and church communities.

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SLRJ was founded in 2004 when neighborhood residents came together to build a safer and stronger community by responding to harm through direct and meaningful conversations.

Thank you for believing that we can transform Minneapolis into a City grounded in restorative justice!

 2022 Annual budget: $98,000

 Follow SLRJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SLRJP