Sedona, AZ — On Friday, December 5, 2025, Northern Arizona Restorative Justice’s (NARJ) Executive Director, Jeremy Hawkes was honored to be the keynote speaker for the Inside Out Course Closing Ceremony at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Winslow, Arizona. This program is a partnership with Northern Arizona University and the Arizona Department of Rehabilitation and Reentry.
The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program® facilitates dialogue and education across profound social differences — through courses held inside prison, involving students from a higher education setting and incarcerated students. It is funded by NARBHA Institute’s Wurgler Chair of Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health.
NARJ began working with NAU last fall, training students in their renowned Criminal Justice program. Students have gone on to work in mentorship programs at Summit High School in Flagstaff and the Journey’s Program through Yavapai County Juvenile Probation in Prescott, Arizona.
During his address, Hawkes stated, “Through restorative practice, we uncover the harm that has been created and identify how we can repair it. We define shared values. We build character. We strengthen the community. We create environments where healing becomes possible, and accountability becomes meaningful—not punitive.” He added, “ Restorative justice is not just about repairing harm—it is about reclaiming our humanity.”
In 2025, NARJ celebrated its 20th Anniversary. During the past year, they facilitated multiple free trainings throughout Northern Arizona, partnered with the star of the award-winning documentary HBO, George Anthony Morton, and his foundation, More Light in a workshop, Duality of Seen vs Unseen, exploring the power of the arts used in conjunction with restorative practices, and worked in partnership with other non-profits throughout the state, including Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona a statewide Grassroots organization.
Founded in 2005, NARJ is Northern Arizona’s only nonprofit dedicated to restorative justice. Their work transforms how communities respond to harm by focusing on healing, accountability, and connection instead of punishment. Through restorative circles, youth diversion programs, community trainings, and facilitator workshops, they empower individuals to repair relationships and rebuild trust. With a 75% success rate in reducing school suspensions and a 75% success rate in youth program completion, NARJ is creating safer, more compassionate communities—one circle at a time. For more information about NARJ, please go to www.NARJ.org, find them on Facebook, or call 928 202 0446.