Peacemaking academy was launched in response to the trend of high number of felony firearms charges and other felony gang-related charges appearing before the juvenile division of the king county…

The Alliance For Gun Responsibility Foundation received a $300,000 project grant award from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention under the Congressionally Recommended Awards program (CFDA 16.753) to support the Peacemaking Academy initiative in Seattle, WA. The goal of the Peacemaking Academy is to divert juvenile offenses from traditional court proceedings focused on punishment through the use of peacemaking circles, a traditional ritual that brings community healing after harm and promotes relationship building through open dialogue. Funding will support the delivery of peacemaking circles from March 15, 2022 through September 30, 2023 to address high rates of felony firearms and gang-related charges appearing before the King County juvenile court.

Peacemaking academy was launched in response to the trend of high number of felony firearms charges and other felony gang-related charges appearing before the juvenile division of the king county prosecuting attorney's office. The goal of peacemaking academy is to divert offenses from the traditional court process, which focuses on punishment and labeling conduct, to a transformative approach that utilizes peacemaking circles. This traditional circle ritual and structure is used to bring healing to the community after harm has been caused. Peacemaking circle is a practice of deep listening and storytelling to promote healing, strengthen relationships, and build healthy community and trust. IT helps create a space that lifts barriers between people, opening possibilities for connection, collaboration, and understanding.