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ALBERTA
RESTORATIVE
JUSTICE
ASSOCIATION
HISTORY
OF ARJA
Our Beginnings
The journey toward creating the Alberta Restorative Justice Association (ARJA) began in 2005, initiated through a partnership between the Government of Alberta and the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre (MRJC). A dedicated steering committee was formed with a shared vision: to build a grassroots, province-wide organization that brought together both individuals and agencies committed to restorative justice.
Our History
On November 18, 2006, 75 participants from across Alberta gathered for a symposium focused on restorative justice. The event revealed a strong collective desire to collaborate and build a unified approach. The recommendations that emerged provided the foundation and direction for establishing a provincial umbrella organization.
In January 2007, Kevin Hood, then Senior Manager of the Crime Prevention and Restorative Justice Department, announced that $50,000 in funding would be available to support the development of a provincial restorative justice body. He tasked MRJC with bringing together stakeholders to create a plan to move the initiative forward.
Establishing the Steering and
Coordinating Committees
Following the November 2006 symposium, participants who had expressed interest in supporting the implementation of the event’s recommendations were invited to attend follow-up meetings held on April 3 and May 3 in Edmonton.
During these meetings, several key decisions were made:
-
The group in attendance formally established itself as the Steering Committee for the Formation of a Provincial Restorative Justice Body.
-
The Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre (MRJC) was appointed by the Steering Committee to serve as the fiscal agent for the initiative.
-
Coordinating Committee, functioning as a sub-group of the Steering Committee, would be created to carry out specific tasks necessary to advance the formation of a provincial organization.
Establishing the Steering and
Coordinating Committees
Following the November 2006 symposium, participants who had expressed interest in supporting the implementation of the event’s recommendations were invited to attend follow-up meetings held on April 3 and May 3 in Edmonton.
During these meetings, several key decisions were made:
-
The group in attendance formally established itself as the Steering Committee for the Formation of a Provincial Restorative Justice Body.
-
The Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre (MRJC) was appointed by the Steering Committee to serve as the fiscal agent for the initiative.
-
Coordinating Committee, functioning as a sub-group of the Steering Committee, would be created to carry out specific tasks necessary to advance the formation of a provincial organization.
Six members of the Steering Committee volunteered to
serve on the interim Coordinating Committee:
-
Eric Friesen: Calgary John Howard Society
-
Jan Moran: Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre, Edmonton
-
Tamie Perryment: Alberta Conflict Transformation Society, Edmonton
-
Bob Pike: Community Mediation Society of Southern Alberta, Lethbridge
-
Val Riewe: Safe & Caring Schools and Communities, Grand Prairie
-
Sharon Seidler: Bridge Builders Conciliation Services Inc., Fort McMurray
VISION OF SUCCESS
The Provincial Restorative Justice Association will be considered
successful when the following outcomes are achieved:
A strong, province-wide network of organizations and practitioners is established,
fostering collaborative and cooperative relationships.
Organizations across Alberta have increased capacity to deliver high-quality
restorative justice programs, led by well-trained practitioners who apply best
practices and conduct outcome-based evaluations.
Restorative justice programs and resources are widely available, accessible, and
responsive to community needs throughout the province.
Funding for restorative justice is sufficient, diversified, and sustainable to support
long-term growth and impact.
VISION OF SUCCESS
The Provincial Restorative Justice Association will be considered
successful when the following outcomes are achieved:
A strong, province-wide network of organizations and practitioners is established, fostering collaborative and cooperative relationships.
Organizations across Alberta have increased capacity to deliver high-quality restorative justice programs, led by well-trained practitioners who apply best practices and conduct outcome-based evaluations.
Restorative justice programs and resources are widely available, accessible, and responsive to community needs throughout the province.
Funding for restorative justice is sufficient, diversified, and sustainable to support long-term growth and impact.
ARJA BYLAWS
The Alberta Restorative Justice Association (ARJA) operates under a set of bylaws that guide our governance, structure, and operations. These bylaws were last revised in January 2011 to reflect our evolving mission and ensure compliance with provincial standards. They serve as the foundation for how we function as an organization, supporting our commitment to promoting restorative justice practices across Alberta.
BYLAWS UNDER REVIEW
Our organization's bylaws are currently under review and pending approval by the membership. Once approved, they will be made publicly available on this page. Thank you for your patience and continued support.
ARJA BYLAWS
The Alberta Restorative Justice Association (ARJA) operates under a set of bylaws that guide our governance, structure, and operations. These bylaws were last revised in January 2011 to reflect our evolving mission and ensure compliance with provincial standards. They serve as the foundation for how we function as an organization, supporting our commitment to promoting restorative justice practices across Alberta.
BYLAWS UNDER REVIEW
Our organization's bylaws are currently under review and pending approval by the membership. Once approved, they will be made publicly available on this page. Thank you for your patience and continued support.
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