This series consists of four programs concerning RESTORATIVE JUSTICE issues:

A BLUEPRINT FOR EMOTION
Dr. Vick Kelly provides an overview of Affect and Script Psychology, developed by Silvan Tomkins and furthered by Donald Nathanson, in an effort to highlight some of the impetus behind emotional experiences during restorative interventions. Affect is the primary, innate motivator of human emotion and behaviour. To comprehend the extent of emotional harm experienced by a victim or the motivation of a perpetrator, it is helpful to understand affect and its scripted responses. Kelly explains scripted responses directed by the Central Blueprint - a functional but primarily unconscious program in the brain. As is the case with all emotion, the ebb and flow of emotion during restorative interventions to reduce or repair harm and begin restoration is directed by the Central Blueprint. 68 minutes

THE PHYSICS OF BULLYING
Ken Pierce, psychologist, presents insightful and practical ideas, based on the book, The Dance of Bullying, co-authored with Alice M. Taylor (www.thedanceofbullying.com), that show parents, teachers, administrators and community leaders how to begin creating healthier safer communities. Thousands of children avoid school each day for fear of being persecuted by their peers; countless more dread going for the same reason. Based on the physics and psychology behind bullying, this video explains the interpersonal dynamics that can cause one child to harass another. By understanding the bullying dynamic, you will be able to intervene with far greater impact and in a way that honours everyone involved. Educators, especially, will recognize and appreciate these ideas and approaches. 40 minutes

BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AND ADDICTION
Gabor Maté, M.D. provides a clear explanation of addiction and its crucial relationship to brain development in early childhood and associated environmental conditions. Through a synthesis of clinical experience, cutting edge brain research, and spiritual teachings, Dr. Maté describes why we seek such destructive ways to comfort ourselves and why is it so difficult to stop. He explains the 4 basic brain systems involved with healthy development, as well as addiction, and why they are so powerful. Dr. Maté proposes a compassionate approach to healing and suggests that we need to widen our lens to look at the conditions in the world that feed, drive and promote addiction versus health and balance. 64 minutes

AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS ON THE CONTESTED COMMUNITY
In this presentation, professor Harry Mika from Central Michigan University Sociology and Queens University Belfast considers some strains of the theoretical 'debate' on community in restorative justice circles, but argues for embedding the discussion at the coal face of societal conflict transformation. Case studies include violence intervention and demobilization/transformation work in Northern Ireland, South Africa, Colombia, Rwanda and Canada. An empirical grounding reveals that debates about justice lay bare fundamental assumptions and aspirations about community. 55 minutes