Back to RJ Archive

Not in My backyard.

Pranis, Kay
June 4, 2015

Source: (2001) Conciliation Quarterly 20 (3): 4-6.

It is a familiar story that people may recognize the value of particular social services but do not want those services to be located near them “not in my backyard.” Pranis relates such an incident in which she assisted with a community’s decision — in connection with the state department of corrections — whether or not to have a transitional or “halfway” house for male sex offenders located in its neighborhood. The technique used to discuss and determine the result was a circle process, and the whole experience was one that Pranis and the other participants found very moving and fruitful.

Tags:

Abstract
Support the cause

We've Been Restoring Justice for More Than 40 Years

Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.

Donate Now