The principles of the Loving Justice framework, as developed by [Kai Cheng Thom](https://kaichengthom.com/), are deeply intertwined with the broader concepts of Transformative Justice (TJ) and incorporate a **somatic and spiritual lens** to address interpersonal and systemic conflicts. It is a model rooted in anti-oppression and trauma-informed theory. Thom suggests that conflict is an opportunity for transformation and emphasizes the importance of compassion and curiosity for conflict de-escalation. The framework aims to help individuals remain **grounded and mindful** during moments of crisis and high emotion, offering practical, trauma-informed tools for conflict resolution. This approach is rooted in the understanding that **justice should be an embodiment of love in public spaces**, emphasizing the need for a justice that is compassionate, forgiving, and holds individuals accountable while promoting healing. ## Practical application To implement the Loving Justice framework during conflicts in our community, we: Create a flexible yet grounded **spine of values and ethics** to guide the community through the conflict resolution process. This framework should be rooted in the sanctity of all living beings. Are upfront our intersections, our **power dynamics**, and our entanglement with systems of power and control. **Encourage honesty with oneself and others**, openly addressing questions and worries. This helps pinpoint root causes so we can find a resolution that is acceptable to all. Use **trauma-informed tools** to help participants navigate their emotions and reactions during the conflict resolution process. This includes conversational skills, ethical evaluation of accountability processes, and somatic rituals (see next point) to release and transform conflict-related traumas safely. **Incorporate somatic practices** such as movement, mindful breathing, engagement with the senses, expression and other techniques to help process emotions and remain present during difficult conversations. We bring these practices in *when they are helpful* and beneficial to deescalation. Promote **a culture of compassion and forgiveness**, recognizing the suffering and humanity of every individual involved in the conflict. This does not mean letting harmful actions go unaddressed, but rather engaging in justice processes that are rooted in interdependence and collective well-being. Implement **restorative and transformative justice practices** that focus on healing and accountability rather than punishment. This can involve community mediation, restorative circles, and other alternative justice models. **Train community members** in conflict resolution skills, boundary-setting, and other relevant competencies to enable them to engage with conflicts and contribute to their resolution. Develop and implement **rituals and practices** that can contain and channel collective pain, rage, and grief to facilitate community healing and safety. Ensure that the conflict resolution process is **inclusive and centres the lived experiences of marginalized communities**, acknowledging and addressing systemic inequities that may underlie the conflict. **Avoid solutions that rely on punitive measures** and instead focus on creating designs and interventions that prioritize community, healing, joy, and rest. Do our best to examine points of conflict before they become bigger issues, and are kind with ourselves when conflict does arise. Practice both listening and expressing ourselves and doing our best not to self-silence or talk over one another. Recognize that every human has a sacredness. This does not mean we need to be friends with them or be in contact with them. Understand that conflict has many layers, and it can be hard to see them when we are in the midst of one. Absorb the conflicts of the world, and are intentional in not reproducing them. We also live in a world that largely bases itself on punishment, of both ourselves and others. Recognize that no specific rules or policies can resolve every conflict. Sometimes, we must be adaptable. Practice compassionate statements, curious questions, and firm boundaries. (from Kai Cheng Thom's workshop on "Unwinding the Trauma Conflict Web") ## Assessing solutions When faced with a decision related to addressing a cconflict, we ask: ### Is it Brave? - Has personal responsibility for the action been taken? - Does the action take a stand against systemic oppression and harmful power? - Does the action face up to the actor’s personal fears, insecurities, and mistakes? ### Is it Honest? - Has the whole story been told? - Have conflicts of interest and power dynamics been declared and adequately neutralized? - Have commitments and responsibilities to self and others been carried out appropriately? ### Is it Kind? - Does the action demonstrate attention to the needs and safety of self and others? - Does the action invite and support positive change, rather than further harm or punishment? - Has there been respect for the inherent dignity and rights of all involved? ### Is it Humble? - Has there been sufficient self-reflection prior to, during, and after the action? - Is there openness to the possibility of personal error? - Is there a willingness to be corrected when mistakes are made? - Is the feeling of the action one that demonstrates humility? - Is there openness to discussing and justifying the action clearly if asked? ## Transformative Justice Transformative justice (TJ) is a political framework designed to respond to violence, harm, and abuse without creating more violence or engaging in harm reduction to lessen the violence. It seeks to address these issues outside of state systems (e.g., police, prisons) and without perpetuating oppressive norms. TJ focuses on building alternatives to current systems, breaking generational cycles of violence within communities, and cultivating values, practices, and relationships that prevent violence and promote healing, accountability, resilience, and safety for all involved. Key principles of transformative justice include: - **Community-Based Responses** - TJ interventions do not rely on state systems but instead focus on community accountability and support. - **Non-Violence** - It aims to respond to violence without creating more violence or engaging in vigilantism. - **Healing and Accountability** - TJ actively cultivates healing, accountability, resilience, and safety, recognizing that interpersonal harm reflects systemic and institutional dimensions of oppression. - **Systemic Change** - TJ acknowledges that to eradicate interpersonal violence, systemic structures of power (such as patriarchy, racism, ableism, and colonialism) must also be dismantled. ### Origins of TJ Notable folks in the development of transformative justice include INCISE!, Philadelphia Stands Up, and the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective; scholars Ejeris Dixon, Mariame Kaba, Shira Hassan, and Dan Berger; Creative Interventions Toolkit; Practice Publications; and circle processes Inspired by Indigenous cultures. References: - [Transformative Justice: A Brief Description](https://transformharm.org/tj_resource/transformative-justice-a-brief-description/) - [Building Your Abolitionist Toolbox](https://abolitionist.tools/Loving-Justice) - [Transformative Justice and Community Accountability | NYSCASA](https://www.nyscasa.org/get-info/transformative-justice/) - [What Is Loving Justice? - arise embodiment](https://ariseembodiment.org/2021/02/22/what-is-loving-justice/) - [Transformative justice - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformative_justice) - [The Loving Justice Conflict Lens](https://kaichengthom.com/2021/06/21/the-loving-justice-conflict-lens/) - [What You Need to Know About Transformative Justice, an Alternative to Criminal Incarceration](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/transformative-justice-explained) - [What is Loving Justice? Embodying Transformative Change with Kai Cheng Thom](https://youtube.com/watch?v=O3L3ZH3sRgI) - [Transformative Justice — The Digital Abolitionist](https://www.thedigitalabolitionist.com/transformative-justice) - [Loving Justice: Embodied Conflict Resolution & Transformative Justice](https://youtube.com/watch?v=V4-Gg9NkJ7o) - [The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare](https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4694&context=jssw) - [Unwinding Binaries & Loving Justice - Kai Cheng Thom](https://kaichengthom.com/2021/06/26/unwinding-binaries-loving-justice/) - [How is Transformative Justice Different from Restorative Justice?](https://novelhand.com/restorative-and-transformative-justice/) - [The Loving Justice Intensive with Kai Cheng Thom - Rooted Global Village](https://www.rootedglobalvillage.com/member-library-items/the-loving-justice-intensive-with-kai-cheng-thom) - [Embodied Conflict Resolution: The Dance of Love and Ruptures](https://www.theembodylab.com/schedule/master-class-kai-cheng-thom-april-2023)