System Allyship

Building Communities of Care While Transforming Systems

RJIM is actively working to build communities of care and accountability as a disruption to the status quo.

We follow the lead of people who have experienced the criminal legal system and the school-to-prison pipeline, especially those disproportionately affected: young people, people with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and Black, Brown, and Indigenous people.

Why System Change Is Necessary

The criminal legal system has grown too large, too powerful, and ineffective at reducing harm in communities. Systems of policing and incarceration often contribute to community harm and resource scarcity rather than healing. We envision a future where resources are reallocated from punishment to prevention, education, and community needs.

Similarly, many schools still rely on exclusionary discipline practices. Some institutions use restorative justice language while maintaining power imbalances and ignoring racialized harms. We have both data and lived experiences that demonstrate these realities.

The Role of System Allies

While we work toward transformative change, we recognize that today's systems still serve a purpose. During this transition, we need courageous people within these systems who can:

• Advocate for restorative approaches

• Create off-ramps and diversions from punishment

• Build on-ramps to keep young people connected to school and community

• Challenge harmful practices from within

Many school administrators, police officers, probation officers, and district attorneys are becoming aware of the ways their systems perpetuate harm and carry bias. These professionals can become powerful allies and change agents from within.

To Current System Allies

If you're already working to transform systems from within – thank you. This work requires:

• Courage to question established practices

• Integrity to align actions with values

• Nuance to navigate complex situations

• Grace to engage in difficult conversations

We recognize that working inside a system while acknowledging its harmful aspects creates tension and challenges. Your efforts create vital pathways for change.

To Those Beginning the Journey

Perhaps you're not an ally yet, but you're curious about restorative justice and your potential role in it. Maybe you feel defensive when hearing critiques of current systems but want to understand these perspectives better.

We welcome your questions and curiosity. We're committed to:

• Creating safe spaces for genuine exploration

• Providing resources as you expand your understanding

• Walking alongside you as you navigate these complex topics

• Engaging in honest dialogue without judgment

As long as you're open to learning, we're here to partner with you.

How We Can Support Your Journey

RJIM offers several resources for system professionals interested in restorative approaches:

• Training and Consultation: Customized learning experiences for your organization

• Resource Sharing: Research, case studies, and success stories

• Professional Networks: Connections with others doing similar work

• Implementation Support: Guidance for integrating restorative practices

Contact Us

If you work within the criminal legal system, education, or another institution and want to explore how restorative justice might transform your work, we invite you to reach out:

Email: training@rjimaine.org
Phone: (207) 504-5134

For specific questions about system allyship, please contact:
Halley Phillips, RJ Learning & Development Specialist
hphillips@rjimaine.org

Resources

Ally or Accomplice? The Language of Activism
Opportunities for White People in the Fight for Racial Justice
Is Prison Necessary? Ruth Wilson Gilmore Might Change Your Mind
Maine Youth Justice