VISION

RJCO envisions safe, inclusive, and resilient communities that address harm by fostering active accountability, meaningful repair, and healing-centered approaches.


MISSION


RJCO is a coalition of Oregon restorative justice practitioners, programs, and advocates. We promote and support the implementation of restorative justice practices, principles, and models at all levels of society from individuals to institutions.


values

As the Restorative Justice Coalition of Oregon, 

WE VALUE: 


1. Restorative Philosophy

2. Equity

3. Inclusion

4. Collaboration

5. Empowerment

6. Connection

7. Flexibility

8. Honesty & Transparency

A Brief History

The Restorative Justice Coalition of Oregon (RJCO) began as the Coalition of Victim Offender Mediation Programs (COVOMP) in the Fall of 1997. This small group of representatives in Oregon and southern Washington coordinated a forum to address the needs of various programs and provide education and training to people interested in restorative justice. To learn more about the history of COVOMP and its accomplishments, click here.


The name changed in 2011 to the Restorative Justice Coalition of Oregon or RJCO to better reflect the diversity of practices, programs, agencies, and practitioners utilizing restorative values and principles in their work across Oregon. Since that time, RJCO has focused on providing educational and community building opportunities for people within the restorative justice community. In 2021, RJCO played an important supporting role in the development of the Criminal Justice Commission’s Restorative Justice Grant Program. The funding and effective operation of the grant program remains a priority for the coalition. In 2023 RJCO led legislative advocacy efforts that resulted in the creation of confidentiality protections for restorative justice programs. Click here to see the confidentiality statute.


To find the Coalition’s bylaws, click here.


RJCO’s Commitment to Honoring

Difference and Advancing equity

RJCO acknowledges and embraces that restorative justice is rooted in indigenous and spiritual traditions and practices, and today is expansive and evolving. RJCO does not advocate any single understanding of what restorative justice is or should be. RJCO also recognizes that restorative justice and restorative practice often operate within systems that are beset by structural racism, institutionalized inequities, and that perpetuate harm and have a disproportionate impact on Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income communities. Today, RJCO:

  • Represents some, not all, voices that ascribe to restorative justice values, principles and practices.
  • Seeks to understand and embrace our role in the network of people and organizations that work for greater justice and peace in our society.
  • Will continue to seek out relationships with people and groups advancing restorative justice in Oregon.
  • Strives to grow in the diversity and number of practitioners and supporters who form our membership.
  • Acknowledges and celebrates other communities of practice within Oregon.
  • Will take the lead on issues where we have skill, experience and influence, and actively encourage collaboration and participation of BIPOC community partners.
  • Will lead our planning and decision-making activities with a racial equity analysis.
  • Will advance equity and social justice.