Tier 1: Building Restorative Relationships & Communities
Educators consistently describe Tier 1 as transformative, practical, and immediately applicable to their classrooms and/ or work environments
About The Pathway…
The Town Project invites you to a series of six, 2-hour workshops on Tier 1 Restorative Justice practices. These interactive sessions are designed for educators, youth-serving professionals, caregivers, and community members who support young people in any capacity. Each workshop is standalone and can be taken individually or combined for deeper growth.
Through this series, participants will explore restorative communication skills (active listening, affective/impact statements, de-escalation, activator awareness) and practice circle-keeping techniques that build trust, inclusion, and accountability. Whether you work in schools, after-school programs, nonprofits, or community settings, Tier 1 equips you with tools to strengthen relationships, prevent conflict, and nurture collective care.
Participants will leave with concrete examples and the confidence to bring circle practices into classrooms, workplaces, community spaces, and families.
About The Workshops…
Active Listening
Discover how deep listening transforms relationships in any setting. This session builds the skill of listening not just to words, but to the emotions and needs underneath. Participants will practice techniques that create trust, reduce conflict, and help others feel truly heard—in classrooms, workplaces, community spaces, and families.
Impact and Affective Statements
Learn to use language that fosters connection and accountability without blame. In this workshop, you’ll practice framing your words in ways that express feelings and impacts clearly, helping to build stronger, more respectful relationships across classrooms, organizations, and communities.
De-escalation Techniques
When emotions rise, the way we respond can either calm the storm or fuel the fire. This session teaches practical de-escalation strategies you can use in classrooms, meetings, or personal interactions to restore safety and keep relationships intact.
Activators and Triggers
Everyone has triggers—moments when strong reactions take over. This workshop explores how to recognize and understand activators in yourself and in others, and how restorative strategies can turn potential conflicts into opportunities for regulation, reflection, and growth in both classrooms and community life.
Circle Practice: Foundations & Best Practices
Circles are at the heart of restorative practice. In this session, you’ll learn the essential elements of facilitating circles that build community, promote empathy, and create equitable space for dialogue. You’ll practice structures and rituals that make circles safe, meaningful, and effective in classrooms, organizations, and beyond.
Circle Practice: Different Types of Circle
From community-building to problem-solving, circles can be adapted for many purposes. This workshop explores different types of circles and when to use them. Participants will leave with concrete examples and the confidence to bring circle practices into classrooms, workplaces, community spaces, and families.
Graduate Credit Options
Each workshop counts as 2 hours toward UOP graduate credit. Here are possible pathways to earn UOP credit:
- Option A: 6 workshops (12 hours) + 3 hours of independent reflection/assignments = 15 hours
- Option B: 5 workshops (10 hours) + 5 hours of independent reflection/assignments = 15 hours
- Option C: 4 workshops (8 hours) + 7 hours of independent reflection/assignments = 15 hours
- Option D: 3 workshops (6 hours) + 9 hours of independent reflection/assignments = 15 hours
☞ Click here to visit UOP’s continuing education site
☞ Download Tier 1 full course descriptions (PDF)
Each workshop counts as 2 hours toward UOP graduate credit. Here are possible pathways to earn UOP credit:
Financial Aid Available
We believe cost should never be a barrier to healing, learning, or community building. If you need support, we offer financial aid and scholarships—just click here to apply.
If you’re able to pay the full registration fee, your contribution directly helps us offer scholarships to those with limited access to funding. Thank you for helping us keep this work accessible and sustainable.
Online
Wednesdays
3–5 PM PT
Active Listening: Online Workshop
Wed, Oct 22, 2025 | 3–5 PM PT
Impact & Affective Statements: Online Workshop
Wed, Oct 29, 2025 | 3–5 PM PT
De-escalation Techniques: Online Workshop
Wed, Nov 5, 2025 | 3–5 PM PT
Activators & Triggers: Online Workshop
Wed, Nov 12, 2025 | 3–5 PM PT
Circle Practice – Foundations & Best Practices: Online Workshop
Wed, Nov 19, 2025 | 3–5 PM PT
Circle Practice – Types of Circles: Online Workshop
Wed, Dec 3, 2025 | 3–5 PM PT
Refund Policy
- 14+ days: Full refund (minus processing fees).
- 7–13 days: 50% refund or credit.
- 6 days or fewer/no-shows: Non-refundable.
- Emergencies: contact [email protected].