JOIN OUR TEAM:

Let’s Talk Now seeks committed members to advance restorative practices in Des Moines’ public schools.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO:

Let's Talk Now is a team of community members collaborating with parents, students, teachers, administration and staff in the Des Moines Public Schools system to implement restorative justice practices and decrease the disproportionate number of students of color suspended and referred to the juvenile justice system-immediately disrupting the school to prison pipeline. We train community leaders in effective, evidence-based restorative justice practices and connect them with students and school leaders who need their help to build a restorative justice culture in our schools.

MEDIATION-CIRCLE KEEPER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mediators work directly with students who have a conflict. We do not solve the conflict, but rather help the students recognize the experience of their peers, generate possible solutions and reach an agreement that is acceptable to all parties. We may also participate in "circles" and other strategies that model the values of listening, respect and self-governance. We also collaborate with teachers, staff, administrators and parents.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Let's Talk Now seeks individuals who:

• are willing to actively listen and have strong communication skills

• have patience with the conflicts and concerns of our DMPS students

• have an awareness of our own implicit biases, perspectives, identities and power

• have a willingness to help students resolve issues with their own best outcomes

• have a background in education, law, mental health, counseling and human service. (these qualifications are helpful; however, community members from all backgrounds can and are successful members of Let’s Talk Now)