AI is more than summaries and automation; it has the potential to strengthen and relationships for greater connectivity and collaboration.
The quickly expanding uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are seemingly boundless. From home kitchens to space stations, AI has found its way into many aspects of human life. But what about using AI to improve our relationships? AI for better conversations with fellow humans? Can AI support the use of restorative practices?
IIRP student Lee Fletcher-McGookin, a retired leader in education, challenged herself to have better conversations, and she used AI to help her do it. During her coursework, she was required to create an experiential model to implement restorative practices. Since she is no longer working in a professional setting, she engaged her sister, and she agreed to enter into six weeks of discussions aimed at deepening their relationship. Lee came up with several questions to ask her sister but found that, even after having a close relationship for more than 50 years, there was still a sense that their conversation-sharing was superficial and often avoided sensitive topics. Lee turned to AI to help her expand on what she already knew and hone the questions she wanted to ask. By feeding an AI platform her initial questions and supplying it with the outcome she was seeking (deepening her relationship with her sister and others), she was able to refine a list of 39 questions for her sister and an additional seven to ask her adult children.
Lee reflects that, “After six weeks, my sister and I both sincerely felt the exercise had significantly changed, deepened, and enriched our relationship. We were able to openly (and with vulnerability) discuss all topics, particularly sensitive ones.” On using the questions with her children, she mentions, “I have found these questions push the conversation to a more profound level and have built trust, empathy, and greater understanding between us. These questions do not come naturally to me, but I am trying to weave them (or similar ones) into conversations when appropriate.”
The potential for the use of AI in restorative practices is being explored by our students with great success. That success lies within the human desire to connect and the discernment needed to navigate new technologies. As the world changes, our students change with it. Fiercely grounded in their humanity, they move forward, guided by the principles of restorative practices, and let innovation support them along the way.
We are seeking funds to pilot the use of ReadyRecruit.ai in our enrollment and recruitment process. This AI project aims to modernize outreach, streamline applications, deliver timely and personalized communications, and reduce barriers for underrepresented students. We need your help to make it happen. Gifts of any size are welcome and will be proudly recognized. Contact us at
