 Lately we've been imagining RCND as an expansive tree, grown from the seed of one faithful question, 33 years ago. What does it mean to take responsibility for the harm we do to one another in Durham? Gradually, early emphasis on gun policy flowered into “being with...” Neighbors surviving the violence of homicide, and neighbors surviving the violence of incarceration, and communities longing for more restorative responses to harm. And then, and then, and then... We have cherished every branch in that canopy. But the true health of any tree lies underground, in the roots that grew to nourish so much growth. And our roots spread well beyond the canopy visible in any given moment (or year). Hundreds of relationships with families grieving loved ones, and hundreds of relationships with neighbors leaving prison, and dozens of restorative justice processes. Hundreds of Community Luncheon Roundtables and Community Circles. Roots. In this "Gathering In" moment, all those never-once-pruned branches matter—because their roots matter for the holistic flourishing of our one tree. Not 33 years of branches that define us, but 33 years of roots that nourish the good news we are (still becoming). For our Coalition that's simpler than it sounds. Because the best thing about RCND is (our deep love for) who we have gathered, and how we have gathered. It is hard to define one story and structure that can nurture every part of this growing, gathering organism. And there’s nothing we need more right now. Read Next - "Two Programs, Many Practices, Four Enduring Values"Comments are closed.
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