Restorative Justice Practices as a Bridge to a Space of Healing and Sharing
By Jack Drummond (Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity)
In the ever-changing and emotionally charged field of healthcare, it is becoming more and more evident that restorative practices are crucial, especially during times of profound healing and recovery. The Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity fully embraces this idea and strives to create a community that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable. We, as a community, agreed to the core values of respect, cultural humility, empathy and equity in Action for Cultural Transformation (ACT), we find ourselves leaning into those values, now more than ever. To achieve the goal of ensuring cultural safety and security, we firmly believe that implementing restorative practices is essential in reaffirming principles of cultural security, community resilience, and holistic healing.
Creating Safe, Brave, Open, and Supportive Environments
At the core of our vision is the creation of environments filled with recognition, gratitude, and support. These nurturing spaces empower each member of our community to navigate through challenging emotional experiences with strength and calmness. We validate every individual's journey, ensuring that moments of vulnerability are met with understanding and support from the collective.
Online Restorative Practices Sessions: The Urgency of Now
As part of our multifaceted approach, we’ve designed a way for the Penn Medicine / CHOP community to engage in a series of online restorative sessions (10/23, 10/30, and 11/6 – see flyer below). These sessions provide a sanctuary where technology and empathy come together to create an environment that prioritizes psychological safety and collective healing. We encourage you to join us on a journey of restoration and connection, where we sow the seeds of a compassionate healthcare community that grows and flourishes during troubled times.
Innovation in Restorative Practices
With a pioneering spirit, PSOM has established a dedicated Restorative Practices function within the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity. This innovative initiative marks a transformative era characterized by fair and compassionate community-building efforts. By addressing microaggressions, promoting conflict resolution, and affirming healing, we strive to create a community where every interaction is characterized by fairness, compassion, and comprehensive understanding.
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey of cultivating community healing. Together, we can create a community where restorative practices serve as a welcoming resource, ensuring that every voice is heard and appreciated. We are united by a vision—a Penn Medicine community that stands as a shining example of inclusion, diversity, and equity.
