RP@P Mission and Values

The term Restorative Practices (RP) describes an approach to healing, accountability, and community building rooted in a set of values and principles which emphasize the importance of involving those most affected in any given situation, the inherent worth of all individuals and our interconnectedness. Drawing from a diverse web of roots, including practices of various Indigenous peoples of North America, Australia, and New Zealand, Restorative Practices work to promote right relationships between people.

RP@P is dedicated to bringing these values and practices to all corners of the University. In situations of interpersonal harm, RP@P can provide safe, confidential, supportive resources to help the harmed party access healing and support, and for the responsible party to work toward accountability and repair. RP@P also implements proactive measures to build supportive communities and strengthen our collective capacity to handle harm when it inevitably occurs. RP@P aims to institutionalize, centralize, and support RP as a core aspect of the Penn community and culture.

Core Beliefs
RP@P Core Beliefs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Values
  1. Community
  2. Healing
  3. Accountability
  4. Dignity
  5. Self-Determination
  6. Humility
  7. Vulnerability
  8. Growth Orientation
  9. Curiosity
  10. Imagination
Principles
  1. The safety needs of those who have experienced harm are paramount
  2. The parties have the right to come to consensus about what the needs are and what the process should look like
    1. The facilitator is a party to the process
  3. Whenever possible the needs of and impacts on the larger community should be considered and addressed
  4. When addressing harm, seek out the root to the greatest extent possible
  5. Prioritize the scheduling needs of those affected while ensuring that the process “moves at the speed of trust” (adrienne maree brown)
  6. Processes we design should always be supportive of full and authentic engagement, and not impediments to participation
  7. Trust participants to know what is important to them
  8. Always ask questions that support exploration and deepened reflection
  9. Consider the layered power dynamics at play in situations of harm and address them as directly as possible to invite all participants in in their fullness
  10. Recognize and honor the difference between harm and pain – a process or conversation may be painful and an essential part of a pathway toward healing