Restorative Georgetown
If you’re reading this, you are an essential part of creating a more just and compassionate community.
I’d like to tell you about my favorite philosopher.
Mencius, a Confucian thinker, believed that within each of us lies the capacity for profound goodness—tiny “sprouts” of virtues like kindness, integrity, and compassion. These sprouts, he taught, are universal. No matter who you are or where you come from, they are there, quietly waiting. They are not yet fully grown, nor can they flourish on their own. But with care, intention, and community, these small beginnings can grow into something extraordinary. Goodness.
Imagine these sprouts within yourself. They may feel small or fragile, especially in moments of stress, uncertainty, or pain. But they are there, waiting for attention, patience, and nurturing.
At Restorative Georgetown, we are founded on this belief: growth and healing are possible for everyone, even in moments of difficulty. We trust in your capacity to navigate challenges and to build stronger connections with yourself and those around you. Our work centers on creating spaces where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. Growth, after all, is not a solitary act—it flourishes in connection, in community, and in shared understanding.
By engaging in reflection, connection, and collaboration, we can nurture the “sprouts” of kindness, compassion, and understanding within ourselves and our shared spaces. If you feel ready, let this letter serve as an invitation to begin or continue this journey of growth. We encourage you to:
1.To Reflect: Take time to pause and consider what values or relationships are most important to you. How do these values guide your actions and your vision for the community you want to help create? Reflection allows us to honor the experiences and relationships that shape us while identifying opportunities for growth.
2. To Seek Connection: Restorative practices thrive on dialogue. Whether through circles, facilitated conversations, or informal moments of support, there are people here, at Restorative Georgetown and on campus, who want to listen, understand, and walk this path with you.
3. To Reimagine Community: Restoration is about more than addressing harm—it’s about envisioning and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and safe. What kind of community do we want to build together? How can we grow into a Georgetown where kindness, justice, and care are at the center of all we do?
Restorative Georgetown is here to support you in this journey, whether you are seeking deeper connection, looking to repair relationships, or simply exploring ways to nurture growth within yourself and your community.
If you are reading this, let it remind you: You belong here. Your story matters. Together, we can transform moments of difficulty into opportunities for growth, understanding and redemption.
Let’s grow something extraordinary.
With hope and solidarity,
The Restorative Georgetown Team
Interested in The Restorative Georgetown?
Connect with them further @RestorativeGeorgetown on Instagram or fill out their 2024-2025 interest form
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Georgetown on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Georgetown students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
