![Restorative Justice Conference: Radical Forgiveness [VIDEO]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/577d3bb79de4bbf977f473cc/1568340408582-QE6DGLD21FH6W4QOBOIE/radical+forgiveness.png)
Restorative Justice Conference: Radical Forgiveness
Saturday, October 19, 2019
9:00AM-3:00PM
Cathedral Square Center
The conference originated three years ago, when students of the Calvin Prison Initiative (CPI) program at R. A. Handlon had the idea and the desire to reach out and create a space in which the public could learn about restorative justice practices. Each year, the students have partnered with a community organization who hosts the conference; Calvin University hosted in 2018 and the Saint Benedict Institute on the campus of Hope College hosted in 2017.
The 3rd Annual West Michigan Restorative Justice Conference was again organized by students in the Calvin Prison Initiative program at the R.A. Handlon Correctional facility, with a theme of Radical Forgiveness. Kate Grosmaire, author of Forgiving My Daughter's Killer: A True Story of Loss, Faith, and Unexpected Grace, delivered the keynote address. Eric Boldiszar, Handlon inmate and Calvin Prison Initiative student, alongside other CPI students, also addressed conference attendees through a pre-recorded presentation.
This one-day FREE conference (registration required) featured a variety of speakers and organizations from the State of Michigan that work in areas of restorative justice and criminal justice reform. The conference was held on October 19, 2019 from 9AM-3PM at Cathedral Square.
Attendees had time to visit booths of local organizations and non-profits, seeing how they contribute to restorative justice efforts in the state.
Our speakers included:
Nate Johnson of Fresh Coast Alliance
Officer Dan Myers of the Grand Rapids Police Department
Angie Sprank of the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Success program
Kate Grosmaire, author of Forgiving my Daughter's Killer: A True Story of Loss Faith and Unexpected Grace,
Eric Boldiszar, Handlon inmate and Calvin Prison Initiative student, alongside other CPI students, who addressed conference attendees through a pre-recorded presentation