Community Justice & Mediation Center (CJAM)

04/24/2026

This is what drives everything we do at CJAM. Giving people the space to have hard conversations and come to their own solutions, on their own terms.

👉 cjamcenter.org

04/24/2026

Did you know that anyone filed for eviction in Monroe County has the opportunity to mediate with CJAM before their case goes to a judge?

CJAM offers free mediation in eviction court, giving both landlords and tenants a chance to say what they need and work toward an agreement that works for both sides. No cost, no judge deciding for you, just a trained mediator helping people find common ground.

We've been doing this work in Bloomington for over 30 years. If you or someone you know is dealing with an eviction situation, reach out or share this post.

👉 cjamcenter.org

03/28/2026

For 30 years CJAM has been helping Monroe County navigate conflict through mediation, restorative justice, and community dispute resolution. We're celebrating and we want you there. 🧡
📅 April 16 | 5:30–8:30 PM
📍 Weddle Bros Construction
🎟️ $30 for 30 Years
Ticket link in our bio!

12/02/2025

It’s Giving Tuesday! It's the day the world comes together to celebrate generosity and support the causes that make our communities stronger.
At CJAM, we’re all about building connection, resolving conflict, and helping people find peace in tough moments. Today, we’re asking for your help to keep that work going strong.
If CJAM has inspired you, supported someone you know, or reflects the kind of community you want to live in, we’d love for you to join us this Giving Tuesday. Every single dollar makes a real impact.
Donate at the link in our bio!

07/21/2025

✨ Registration is NOW OPEN! ✨
Join CJAM this fall for our 32-hour virtual training in mediation, facilitation, and restorative justice practices. Whether you're looking to strengthen your communication skills or become a volunteer mediator, this hands-on, interactive course is for you!

🗓 Training runs Sept. 3–Oct. 11
💻 Held on Zoom
💵 $300 tuition | Early bird rate: $275 by Aug. 15
📣 Scholarships available

📍 Learn more & register: cjamcenter.org/learn

02/24/2025

Meet Dr. Gaye Lang, a leader in restorative justice who has dedicated her career to racial reconciliation, trauma healing, and justice reform.

As a scholar and practitioner, she co-authored Colorizing Restorative Justice, a book that explores how restorative justice can better serve communities of color. She also founded Workplace Restorative Practices Inc., an organization that promotes healing and conflict resolution in professional spaces.

Her work reminds us that restorative justice isn’t just about the legal system—it’s about building a culture of accountability, empathy, and understanding in all aspects of life.

📖 Learn more about Dr. Lang’s impact:
🌍 https://livingjusticepress.org/gaye-lang/
💡 https://www.workplacerestorativepracticesinc.com/about/

02/20/2025

During Black History Month, we celebrate Kenneth P. Thompson, Brooklyn’s first Black district attorney, who fought tirelessly for fairness in the justice system.

Elected in 2013, Thompson worked to free wrongfully convicted individuals through his conviction review unit, setting a national standard. He also declined to prosecute most low-level ma*****na cases to prevent young people from entering the carceral system, instead expanding restorative justice efforts for young adults.

His work with organizations like Common Justice helped create alternative programs to incarceration, proving that justice can center healing and accountability rather than punishment alone.

Learn more about his legacy:
📖 https://www.law.nyu.edu/news/Kenneth-Thompson-Brooklyn-district-attorney-in-memoriam

02/10/2025

Restorative justice is more than a practice—it’s a movement. Rooted in healing, accountability, and community, it offers an alternative to punitive justice by focusing on repairing harm rather than just punishing offenders.

Why does this matter? The principles of restorative justice align closely with the Civil Rights Movement, centering on dignity, equity, and addressing systemic injustices in our legal system. Today, these practices are used in schools, communities, and courts to build a more just and compassionate society.

Watch this video to learn more about the power of restorative justice: 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YMxk3v7mVY&t=133s

Explore more about Civil Rights and Restorative Justice with the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project: https://crrj.org/

Can justice heal?[The retributive justice system] is the most powerful stimulant of violence that we have yet discovered. ~ James GilliganMass incarceration ...

02/06/2025

🎙 Podcast episode 160 [S3 E7] is now available at the812show.org or on any podcast platform.

In Bloomington, there’s a nonprofit devoted exclusively to mediating disputes. It’s a nonprofit called the Community Justice and Mediation Center, or CJAM for short. CJAM has helped negotiate restorative justice between victims and offenders; separations and divorces; landlord-tenant disputes; even the custody of pets. And they get results. We hear all about what they do from Liz Grenat, the outgoing executive director, and Wyatt Lawson, the incoming executive director.

The 812 is a production of Plateia Media ©2025. All rights reserved.

02/05/2025

Looking for an insightful read this Black History Month? We recommend "The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice" by Fania E. Davis.

A civil rights attorney turned restorative justice advocate, Davis explores how restorative practices can transform our justice system, addressing systemic racial inequities and creating pathways for healing and accountability.

🌟 Learn more about her powerful work:
📺 Watch her talk: https://youtu.be/cUCuYjSp0Fk?feature=shared
🌍 Explore RJOY, the organization she co-founded: https://rjoyoakland.org/

Join us in learning from her expertise and vision for justice. Have you read this book? Let us know your thoughts! ⬇️