Because we’re stronger together.
Prevent School Violence Illinois and Illinois Balanced and Restorative Justice have joined forces as Reimagine Justice Illinois! We are thrilled to announce that we have become one small but mighty, people-serving organization after three years of close collaboration. Our values are unequivocally aligned, and our collective decades-long work in restorative justice, social-emotional skill building, and systems transformation and the networks we have cultivated complement each other and expand the range of services we offer.
We are stronger together.
Looking forward,
Nancy Michaels & Sarah Schriber, Co-Directors
We envision communities in which every person experiences being seen and seeing others, being heard and hearing others, and being valued and valuing others by honoring our full range of identities and lived experiences.
Our Vision
Reimagine Justice Illinois exists to challenge the narrative of justice and transform conventional practices through the cultivation of connection. Together with individuals, communities, and systems, our work is grounded in processes that lift up one another’s humanity.
Our Mission
Our beliefs
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Relationships are hard work. Being in relationship is an active commitment to including, honoring, and caring for ourselves and each other.
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Injustice pervades every part of wellness. To heal, we must tend to the interpersonal and generational wounds to our bodies, hearts, and minds. Our holistic approach brings to the surface the harm done while reimagining who we can become.
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We honor people’s unique experiences, abilities, and identities and celebrate the power of the collective to impact the communities we work with.
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Too often, communities and organizations compete for resources. The most impactful way to bring about radical transformation is by working together.
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Communities can function as healthy ecosystems that positively serve their members. Inequitable and unjust systems require transformation so everyone can have the agency, self-determination, and resources they need to thrive.
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We believe in the intersectional struggle to end all forms of inequality. Dignity, equity, and inclusion should ground all our personal and institutional practices.
Whether you have a question, feedback, or just want to connect, we’d love to hear from you and will get back to you as soon as possible.
“Community is not a place but a relationship.”
Carolyn Boyes-Watson
Inspiration for reimagining
At Reimagine Justice Illinois, music is more than just a background element—it's a core part of our work. When words fail us, a song lyric often captures the essence of what we're trying to convey. Music provides a powerful outlet for self-expression, helping us connect with our emotions and each other. Music helps create safe, joyful, and reflective spaces in our restorative circles. Inspired by organizations like Circles and Cyphers and leaders like Cheryl Graves, we harness the transformative power of music to inspire social change.
We encourage you to add to this list, play these songs, turn up the volume, and sing at the top of your lungs. Your voice, your music, your contribution matters.