Learning Transformative Justice in an Abolitionist Coalition

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Eighteen
  In Roundtable Session: Building Justice-Oriented Communities in Education (Table 15)

Abstract

Winnipeg’s abolitionist organizing community has produced vibrant interventions against policing, child apprehension, and imprisonment, yet we also see ongoing challenges within the abolitionist groups as they struggle to address conflict, harm, and community accountability internally. Members of abolitionist groups have argued that we need tools for addressing harm without treating members who act in ways that are inconsistent with their values as disposable. This research examines how activists learn about transformative justice as an alternative to canceling members. Using multi-camera video data of transformative justice trainings, we examine the facilitation and design strategies which made it possible for abolitionists to adopt some transformative justice practices.

Authors

• Mads B Meyer-Parr, University of Manitoba
  Presenting Author

• Joe Curnow, University of Manitoba
  Presenting Author

• Ella Taylor, University of Winnipeg
  Presenting Author