Kendrick Walton- CMRS Program Manager - Newest Addition to the CMRS Staff

Highlight: Kendrick Walton- CMRS Program Manager - Newest Addition to the CMRS Staff 
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The Mission of Community Mediation & Restorative Services' mission is to empower the community to resolve conflicts and repair harm in a respectful manner. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Kendrick Walton to discuss his new role at our Community Mediation and Restorative Services. Kendrick started with us in October 2021 and then attended the African American Leadership Forum in June 2023. 

Kendrick shared insights about his career progression and his current role as the leader of youth services at CMRS. "The mission of CMRS is to raise public awareness of mediation services. One of the key areas of focus is our work in schools, which includes conflict resolution programs and the implementation of the circle process—an Indigenous practice aimed at community building and conflict resolution."

Kendrick has transitioned from being a restorative justice specialist to serving as the board chair at CMRS, and now he leads youth services full-time. Kednrick's goal with his new position is to help CMRS become more visible to the public, pointing out that many people are unaware of mediation services. Kendrick mentioned several upcoming initiatives, including a fundraiser on September 30th and new partnerships, which he views as positive steps toward increasing visibility and supporting the community. 
Osseo School District Staff Recognition
Kendrick shared his experience at the Osseo School District staff kickoff at Park Center, where he and the team received recognition from educators for the ongoing work of CMRS. Some of the services provided in the schools include leading student leader groups, providing conflict resolution through mediations, coaching staff, and facilitating affinity spaces for students with marginalized identities. Kendrick underscored the importance of building relationships over enforcing rules and highlighted a successful collaboration with a teacher at Brooklyn Middle School, where they plan to implement the circle process in the curriculum.
What is the circle process? It's an Indigenous practice that fosters community building and conflict resolution. The method involves a talking piece, a centerpiece, and a circle keeper who facilitates the conversation. Kendrick outlined how this approach can be adapted to various settings, including schools, corporations, and government departments, sharing that CMRS uses it in their weekly staff meetings. 

Restorative Justice in Education Focus
Kendrick discussed his return to CMRS, focusing on restorative justice and holistic approaches to discipline. Research has shown the effectiveness of restorative practices in reducing reoffending and improving student outcomes. Additionally, he mentioned his work on empowerment zones, a concept designed to address opportunity gaps for students with marginalized identities through site-based decision-making in schools and communities.
If you’d like to read some of the additional articles Kendrick has written, click here. 
If you want to learn more about the circle process, restorative justice or any of the other ways CMRS can help in your community, please reach out. 
Community is at the center of everything we do.
Community Mediation & Restorative Services, Inc. is a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides low to no-cost conflict resolution services in Hennepin County. Since 1983, CMRS has helped individuals and communities engage in respectful and productive conversations, resulting in better understanding and creative, concrete solutions.

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