Amy Biehl Foundation for Restorative Justice
an article by David Kimball

The other day, I received an e-mail listing some people who had decided NOT to seek revenge for people in their family who had been murdered by the ravages of war. They are following the example of Amy Biehl's family.

Amy Biehl was murdered while doing community work in South Africa. Because of Amy's belief in restorative justice, her parents supported amnesty for those who had been convicted of her murder and created the Amy Biehl Foundation Trust to promote the ideals of compassion and peaceful progress. This Trust includes youth-oriented programs in the following six areas in South Africa:

Education: Youth Reading Role Models and After School Care.

Health and Safety: First Aid and CPR Training headed by a paramedic who attended Amy when she was murdered. HIV/AIDS Peer Education providing important information and condoms.

Employment/Microenterprise Development: The Buthisizwe Training Center offers training in marketable skills and business classes. The Community Baking Trust provides employment and skill training and free products for disadvantaged communities.

Environment: The Greening and Environmental Program enables communities to improve the aesthetics of their schools.

Arts and Music: The Mural Project involves the local children to convey "township life" and issues that they face. The Music Program promotes music education in under-resourced schools.

Recreation: Seasonal Athletic Events, especially during the more violent times of school vacations. A "People's Golf Range" bringing the game to those who were previously excluded.

There is also an Amy Biehl High School in New Mexico where students are required to complete two college classes and to participate in a year-long community service project such as Healthcare for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, or New Mexico AIDS Services.

It is amazing to see all of the great work being done through the Amy Biehl Foundation Trust. But it is even more amazing to think how none of this would be possible if Amy's family had sought revenge after her death rather than restorative justice.

Additional links:

http://www.AmyBiehl.org

http://www.RestorativeJustice.org

DISCUSSION

Question(s) related to this article:

Restorative justice
What would it look like if applied in the US today?

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE OF PEACE

Latest reader comment:

Under the prevailing Culture of War there appears to be no choice but to punish and create economic opportunities in building and running prisons where 2,000,000 Americans languish .  A Culture of  Peace, with restorative justice as the ideal, could offer many other hopeful options USA Prisons

This report was posted on July 21, 2004. The moderator is Joe.

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