What GCC Means to Us at The Cottage

December 2, 2024

As an Executive Director of a nonprofit agency, the Georgia Conflict Center has been an invaluable resource for myself both professionally and personally. I previously described myself as someone who prefers to avoid conflict in any capacity but that rarely if ever is possible. The first thing I learned from Danny and Jo at GCC is that conflict is inevitable and the sooner we recognize that, the sooner we can learn ways to effectively navigate it.

In leading my team at The Cottage, Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center, GCC has helped to equip myself and our staff with the tools we needed to navigate any situation we encountered whether internally or externally. Danny and Jo have facilitated multiple trainings over the years for our staff as well as assisting with updating our agencies policies and procedures. They are always thoughtful and thorough in preparing their training curriculum and show up with such great care/support in their facilitation.

I have served as an Executive Director for 2.5 years now and have had many lessons throughout that time. Anytime I ran into a new challenge, I was able to turn to GCC for guidance, feedback, and advice. I am extremely grateful to Danny, Jo, and Mikhayla for all the ways they have supported me in my leadership development and growth. Our community is so lucky to have such an amazing team that is dedicated and genuine in their mission to build peace with justice in all capacities.

other blogs and recommended reading

Restorative Arlington Partners with Arlington Public Schools to Support Students and Strengthen Restorative Justice in Education

Restorative Arlington has partnered with Arlington Public Schools (APS) to support Restorative Justice in Education. Restorative Arlington has allocated over $140,000 to provide direct services to APS, including services for students who have experienced harm as well as restorative justice training for staff and additional resources.

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School-base Restorative Practices Implementation

Black CPS teens benefit most from shift from suspensions toward restorative practices

A new study finds moving to restorative practices to respond to student misconduct has led to a significant reduction in suspensions and arrests.

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Social Change and Self Care

Letting Go of Myths, Embracing Truths

Shawn Ginwright writes in Yes! Magazine about Four Pivots to Reimagining Justice and Reimagining Ourselves.

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What SEL Teaches Us About Safety

With SEL, we can foster emotional safety and mental wellness, and help reduce violence and risky behaviors among students.

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New Study: Black, Special Ed Students Punished at Greater Rate Through Pandemic

Despite a dramatic decline in suspensions as students moved to remote learning during the pandemic, Black children and those in special education were disciplined far more often than white students and those in general education, according to a recent New York University study.

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Weaver School Embraces ‘Peacemaker Event’ on Campus

In collaboration with the Restorative Justice League of Merced, the “Weaver Peacemaker Event” is an all day event that focuses on educating students to “promote kindness and build a culture of peace on campus.”

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