Media Alert

IIRP to Celebrate New Graduate Degree Programs for Education and Youth Counseling Professionals
at Annual World Conference on Restorative Practices

What: A kick-off celebration of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) graduate degree programs for educators and youth counselors – for first semester students, faculty, and leaders in restorative practices. Refreshments, video and press briefing to introduce Faculty, Administrators, and Resources of the IIRP, a graduate school wholly dedicated to restorative practices, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 
           
When: Thursday, October 19, 5-7PM with presentations from 5:30-6:30 PM

Where: Historic Hotel Bethlehem, 437 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

RSVP:  Accredited journalists may RSVP by calling: Kurt Aldag, Aldag Communications, Inc., 800-670-4372.

On September 9, 2006, the IIRP marked a historic new beginning for educators and youth counselors with the opening of the world’s first graduate school wholly dedicated to restorative practices. To celebrate this event, Ted Wachtel, IIRP founder, will introduce key IIRP administrators and faculty at a reception for prospective students, educational leaders and restorative practices leaders from around the world, and the press, at the Hotel Bethlehem, in Bethlehem, PA, on Thursday, October 19, 5:30-6:30 PM. 

Beginning September 9, 2006, the IIRP began offering two graduate degrees in restorative practices for education and youth counseling professionals: a Master of Restorative Practices and Education (MRPE) degree, and a Master of Restorative Practices and Youth Counseling (MRPYC) degree. The IIRP is also a center for worldwide research in the emerging field of restorative practices.

The underlying hypothesis of restorative practices is that human beings are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes in their behavior when those in positions of authority do things with them, rather than to them or for them.

The rapidly expanding field of restorative practices offers a common thread to tie together theory, research and practice in such seemingly disparate fields as education, counseling, criminal justice, social work and organizational management.
The restorative practices concept has its roots in restorative justice, a new way of looking at criminal justice that focuses on repairing the harm done to people and relationships. Originating in the 1970s as mediation between victims and offenders, restorative justice broadened in the 1990s to include communities of care as well, with victims' and offenders' families and friends participating in collaborative processes called "conferences" and "circles."

For the last decade, the IIRP has been developing a comprehensive framework for practice and theory that expands the restorative paradigm beyond its origins in criminal justice. On June 26, 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Education authorized the IIRP to open its new graduate school. Classes are being offered for graduate students wishing to begin their studies in September, October and December 2006.

Press Contact:
Kurt Aldag (national) 800-670-4372.

Note to Editors: For additional information, visit  www.iirp.org website for articles, press releases, and high-resolution jpeg image downloads. Press wishing to attend conference sessions at the IIRP international conference, October 18-20, should contact Sandy George, at 610-807-0423.
           

Restorative practices is  an Emerging Field of Study that Enables People
to Restore and Build Community in an Increasingly Disconnected World.