In this special roundtable episode of Restorative Works!, host Claire de Mezerville López brings together a powerful group of restorative justice practitioners, educators, and leaders to explore the creation and impact of the Restorative Rainbow Alliance's Facilitator Code of Conduct.
Guests Ames Stenson and Rami El Gharib, co-founders of the Restorative Rainbow Alliance, join Lindsey Pointer and Kathleen McGoey, co-authors of The Little Book of Restorative Teaching Tools, to share the story behind this groundbreaking initiative. Together, they reflect on the urgent need for LGBTQ+ affirming practices within restorative justice, drawing from lived experiences, community dialogue, and the gaps that led to harm when identity and power were not fully considered in restorative conferences.
The conversation explores how the Alliance's Code of Conduct, now adopted as a foundational document in Colorado, offers both guidance and a call to reflection for practitioners seeking to move beyond cis-heteronormative frameworks and toward truly inclusive, equitable practice.
The group also highlights a collaborative effort to bring the code to life through an engaging, experiential learning activity: Inclusive Facilitation: Increasing LGBTQ+ Awareness in Restorative Justice. Designed as a companion tool, this resource supports practitioners in navigating discomfort, building empathy, and applying inclusive principles to real-life scenarios through dialogue, play, and reflection.
Throughout the episode, listeners are invited into a rich and honest conversation about harm, accountability, identity, and growth. The guests emphasize the importance of curiosity, compassion, and the willingness to sit with complexity as essential elements of restorative practices, especially when working toward belonging for LGBTQ+ communities. This episode offers both inspiration and practical pathways for anyone committed to deepening fostering spaces where all identities are affirmed and valued.
Tune in to learn from these wonderful guests, and we invite you to explore the Restorative Teaching Tool activity for the Facilitator Code of Conduct here.
