Participants' Comments About the Conference

"One of the best conferences I have attended; a sense of community and understanding was established around some really tough topics."
— Debra Zistl, People's Place II, Inc, Milford, Delaware, USA

"As a student and future law enforcement officer, this conference has aided my education in the field of justice. I feel that I will be able to apply knowledge from this conference to my career."
— James Webb, Vice President, Mercyhurst College Criminal Justice Club, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA

"This conference was so well organized. The conference booklet is fabulous. The organizers seemed to anticipate our needs before we even realized what they were. The facilities were great. Bethlehem is such a nice and welcoming place. I can't think of anything that could have made my experience more positive. Great job!"
— Kimberly Vindler, School Social Worker, School District of Haverford Township, Pennsylvania, USA

"Extremely useful, practical and inspiring. This conference will help me to be a more effective educator and school leader."
— Steve Newlove, Vice Principal, Saanich School District #63, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada

"I was amazed at the global depth of Restorative Practices. The philosophy and practice keeps children in school, develops social skills and reduces the disciplinary problems that face our educators. To me it is a wonderful preventative step in providing a safe-school environment and in the long run is an economical boost to the system."
— Joe Miller, Chief Probation Officer, Second Judicial District of Illinois, Albion, Illinois, USA

"I could have left after just the first day and walked away with so much information, stories, and contacts and been content — but to have 2 more days was unbelievable. Thank you!"
— Frank Leonardi, OK Kids Support Group Facilitator, The Salvation Army, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

"Very useful and informative. As last year, things learnt and shared here will help our project evolve further. Looking forward to Hungary in 2007!"
— Val Keitch, Coordinator, Chard and Ilminster Community Justice Panel, Chard, England, UK

"The fact that it didn't matter if we were educators, social workers, lawyers, etc., the Restorative Practices model celebrates our humanity. It works across cultures, countries and communities. I am thrilled to have been a part of the week."
— Michael DeAntonio, Assistant Principal, Upper Merion High School, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA

"Thank you first of all for the commitment evident to Restorative Practices. This has been an excellent conference with a tremendous amount of information shared."
— Jeannette Deloya, School Social Worker Program Support, Madison Metro School District, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

"It's reaffirming and energizing to see the growth of this philosophy around the world. As part of my ten week Churchill Fellowship travels, visiting schools around the world. I am encouraged by the great work being done."
— Lyn Doppler, Principal, Rozelle Public School, Rozelle, New South Wales, Australia

"Tremendously motivating — in a nutshell."
— Jan Dembinski, Attorney, Woodstock, Vermont, USA

"It was a great pot of knowledge and experience. Just fantastic-thank you very much for inviting me to be a part of it."
— Sara Castillo, Executive Director, National Commission for the Betterment of Justice, Alajuela, Costa Rica

"I am director of an RJ Center and have acquired much information to share with my board, volunteers and the judicial system. I envision bringing research based information to effect systemic change."
— Phyllis Boernke, Executive Director, Center for Restorative Justice, Rapid City, South Dakota, USA