Restorative Justice Week begins every third Sunday of November, advocating for a justice system centered on repairing harm rather than solely punishment. This week encourages dialogue between victims and offenders, fostering accountability and healing. Learn how to support initiatives that build stronger, more connected communities.
Want to sponsor Restorative Justice Week? Learn how
Expected Restorative Justice Week Deals
Restorative Justice Week is primarily an awareness and advocacy initiative, rather than a commercial one focused on deals. However, organizations like the National Center for Restorative Justice and the Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice often run fundraising campaigns and host virtual events to support their work. Publishers such as Routledge and New Society Publishers may offer discounts on books related to restorative practices. Look for opportunities to donate to local restorative justice programs or participate in educational workshops. We will update this page with confirmed live events and donation drives as November approaches.
Platform Guide for Restorative Justice Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #RestorativeJusticeWeek. Share stories of healing, community building, and personal accountability.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #RestorativeJusticeWeek. Join discussions on policy changes, program successes, and the philosophy of restorative justice.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RestorativeJusticeWeek. Share resources, event details, and engage with community groups promoting restorative practices.
Restorative Justice Week Hero
Howard Zehr
History of Restorative Justice Week
The propagation of restorative justice has been around since the ’70s when the prison chaplains of England launched a ‘Prisoner’s Sunday’ for the incarcerated people. Several countries adopted the idea, and it was later transformed to ‘Prisoner’s Week.’ To this day, National Prison Week and International RJ Week are celebrated in collaboration.
In 1996, Canada adopted Restorative Justice Week to honor the benefits of justice based on restoration. For centuries, the basic rule of retributive justice has carried on without criticism, yet it has failed to deliver us a safer, crime-free community. This alternative focuses on the human condition and our desire to heal through the repentance of those who have wronged us. Restorative Justice offers a pathway to healing. Professor John Braithwaite defines it as “the idea that because crime hurts, justice should heal.”
RJ Week raises awareness for the activists and organizations working for restorative justice, criminal justice legislation, and penal mediation. The holiday promotes the expansion of research for innovative practices, pushing for policies that support it, and providing a forum for discussions in good faith between the supporters and the adversaries of this alternative form of justice. During the week, Canadian public servants, Aboriginal restorative justice practitioners, scholars, and restorative justice professionals hold a conference to share the developments made in the field.
Every RJ Week has a theme — ‘‘Inspiring Innovation,’’ “Family Matters,” “Communities Responding to Human Needs.” This RJ Week, honor and celebrate the advocates, supporters, educators, practitioners, and researchers for their tireless work in the field of restorative justice.
Restorative Justice Week timeline
Psychologist Albert Eglash initiates the modern usage of the phrase ‘Restorative Justice’ to describe three forms of justice.
American criminologist Howard Zehr articulates the theory of restorative justice in his groundbreaking book “Changing Lenses.”
The Government of Canada adopts Restorative Justice Week, and the movement gains ground at the European forum.
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopts a recommendation to recognize the potential benefits of restorative justice.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Restorative Justice Week
Local businesses can support Restorative Justice Week by hosting educational events or workshops on conflict resolution for their employees and the wider community. Consider partnering with local non-profit organizations that offer restorative justice programs to provide resources or volunteer opportunities. Businesses can also use their platforms to share information about the week, highlighting the importance of dialogue and healing in addressing harm within society.
Restorative Justice Week FAQs
When is Restorative Justice Week?
Restorative Justice Week 2026 runs from Sunday, November 15 through Saturday, November 21, highlighting alternatives to traditional punitive justice and promoting community healing.
What is restorative justice?
Restorative justice is an approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime or conflict, involving victims, offenders, and community members. It seeks to address the needs of the victim, hold the offender accountable, and reintegrate both into the community.
How many countries observe Restorative Justice Week?
Restorative Justice Week is observed internationally, with events and initiatives taking place in numerous countries across North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Organizations like Restorative Justice International help coordinate global participation.
What is the difference between restorative and retributive justice?
Retributive justice focuses on punishment for past wrongs, asking ‘What law was broken? Who did it? What punishment is deserved?’ Restorative justice, conversely, asks ‘Who has been harmed? What are their needs? Whose obligations are these?’ aiming to repair harm and restore relationships.
How To Observe Restorative Justice Week
Organize an event to promote restorative justice
Plan an event to acquaint people with the benefits of restorative justice. Invite your neighbors, friends, and family, and share the strides made in this field. You never know how many restorations you can inspire.
Share resources about restorative justice
There are tons of reading materials, case studies, annotated bibliography, and correctional meeting records to be shared with the public. The third week of November is a great chance to do just that.
Resolve an old grudge
It’s time to make amends with the estranged people in your life. Communication heals communities. Following the principles of restorative justice must begin at home, with the people in your life.
5 Facts About Prisons That’ll Make You Sit Up Straight
It’s expensive to be a criminal
The prison system’s annual bill to the U.S. Government is $81 billion.
There is a criminal on the block
In 2015, 1 in 115 American adults was incarcerated.
Feminism takes a stride
Since 2000, the female prison population of the U.S. has increased by 50%.
It’s a funeral every day
12 people die in the United States Prison System every day, and the top cause of death is suicide.
Despite it all, it’s still crime o’clock
Several studies have concluded that serving a prison sentence has no preventive effect on a person’s propensity to commit violent crimes.
Why Restorative Justice Week is Important
The justice system deserves a reckoning
Some of the best criminal justice systems in the world have failed to reduce crime or minimize the loss of life. It’s time to look beyond the metal bars and orange jumpsuits for alternative methods of justice.
‘All’ lives matter
Restorative Justice Week calls for a broader introspection into the way we carry out justice. The traditional form of justice focuses on judging a human being based on the worst moment of their lives. In contrast, restorative justice focuses on a life that continues after the crime.
Crime hurts; justice should heal
When the loss suffered by a victim is earmarked into the pages of court documents, it serves them no good. Likewise, punitive measures isolate a criminal from society and take away the resources required for repentance. Restorative justice is an alternative where victims can seek healing through direct engagement with their offenders.
Restorative Justice Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 16–22 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2026 | November 15–21 | Sunday–Saturday |
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