Restorative Houston Celebrates International Restorative Justice Week (November 17-23)

HOUSTON, TX – Restorative Houston (RH) announces the first citywide acknowledgment of  International Restorative Justice Week. This year’s theme is, “The Promise of Restorative Justice in a Polarizing World.” This marks a pivotal moment for the city as it acknowledges the importance of restorative justice in healing communities, fostering accountability, and promoting non-punitive models for harm repair.

During this week, Restorative Houston will host a virtual Circle for LGBTQ+ youth, provide restorative justice trainings, and host a virtual community Circle on Thursday, November 21.

“As the Executive Director of Restorative Houston, I have witnessed the profound impact restorative justice has in transforming lives,” said Anita Wadhwa, Executive Director of Restorative Houston. “Through initiatives like our Sisterhood Circles, Brotherhood Circles for youth in juvenile detention, and Safe Space Circles for LGBTQ+ youth, we’re building stronger communities by creating spaces for accountability and healing.”

Since its founding in 2013, Restorative Houston has trained over 2,000 community members and professionals, partnering with schools, universities, and local organizations to implement restorative practices. In May 2025, RH will also host a series of restorative Circles for elders in honor of Older Americans Month, emphasizing the power of healing across generations.

International Restorative Justice Week is observed globally and highlights the significance of restorative justice in repairing harm and strengthening communities. In a diverse and vibrant city like Houston, where community ties run deep, this observance is particularly timely.

“During International Restorative Justice Week, we want to spotlight the efforts of Houstonians to break cycles of harm, promote equity, and build trust, especially in underserved and marginalized communities,” added Wadhwa. “We encourage all Houstonians to explore the power of restorative justice to foster empathy and collective healing.”

For more information about Restorative Houston and how to participate in Restorative Justice Week activities, visit www.restorativehouston.org or contact info@restorativehouston.org.

About Restorative Houston

Restorative Houston is a community-led organization founded in 2013, dedicated to fostering accountability, healing, and harm repair through restorative practices. Their mission is to create an intergenerational cohort of restorative justice practitioners who strengthen community ties, promote healing, and provide non-punitive models of harm repair.

Partnering with local schools, organizations, and government entities, Restorative Houston strives to create a more compassionate and connected city by addressing harm at all levels.