Our mission is to further public understanding of the principles, values and practice of restorative justice and to contribute to restorative justice initiatives in the City of Vancouver, in Canada, and internationally.
Our vision is a world where restorative justice inspires peaceful, resilient and socially just communities and contributes to individual and collective growth.
The Vancouver Association for Restorative Justice (VARJ) was founded by a diverse group of community members with a shared vision – to live in and contribute to communities that are peaceful, resilient and socially just.
Restorative justice is a philosophy and practice focused on repairing harms and restoring relationships. Restorative justice processes facilitate dialogue between victims, offenders and community members, creating opportunities for accountability, understanding and healing for all. Rooted in values of respect and inclusion, restorative justice has been proven to be effective in addressing harm, reducing re-offending and increasing feelings of safety in communities.
VARJ is working to make restorative justice accessible to all. We offer training and workshops for schools, workplaces, and community organizations seeking to respond to conflict effectively and compassionately. Our experienced facilitators tailor services to meet your unique needs, helping you create environments where people feel safe, respected and valued.
Our projects and community involvement are guided by the values of: Diversity and Inclusion; Collaboration and Cooperation; Accountability and Transparency; Community Empowerment; Integrity and Respect; Social Justice.
Contact us to learn more about how you can get involved. We have many exciting volunteer opportunities and are always looking for passionate folks to join our community.