Hello, I’m Jimmie Rae Gordon, and I’ve spent much of my life working with people affected by the criminal justice system here in New Mexico. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that true change doesn’t just happen behind prison walls—it happens in the community. Restorative justice is a way to bring people together, repair harm, and create opportunities for growth. It’s about more than punishment; it’s about healing, accountability, and building stronger communities.
Understanding Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is different from the traditional approach to criminal justice. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, it emphasizes repairing the harm caused by an offense. This approach involves everyone affected—the person who committed the harm, the person harmed, and the community. It’s about dialogue, understanding, and accountability.
I’ve seen firsthand how restorative justice can change lives. When people take responsibility for their actions and engage directly with those affected, it fosters empathy and growth. It also helps victims feel heard and supported, which is an essential part of healing.
Why Community Engagement Matters
One of the biggest challenges people face after incarceration is reconnecting with the community. Often, there’s fear, stigma, and mistrust on both sides. Community engagement is about breaking down those barriers. It’s about creating spaces where people can rebuild relationships, learn from each other, and contribute positively.
Community engagement also strengthens the restorative justice process. When local organizations, neighbors, and leaders participate, they help create a support network. This network can guide individuals toward opportunities for education, employment, and personal development, while also holding them accountable in a supportive way.
Real-Life Impact
I’ve had the privilege of working with people who have participated in restorative justice programs in New Mexico. I’ve seen offenders and victims sit down together, share their experiences, and work toward understanding. It’s not easy. There are emotions, frustrations, and sometimes anger. But the results can be remarkable.
For example, I worked with a young man who had caused significant harm in his community. Through a series of restorative justice sessions, he was able to hear directly from the people affected and understand the consequences of his actions. He also had the opportunity to contribute to the community through service projects and mentoring younger individuals. By the end of the process, he wasn’t just avoiding further trouble—he was actively making a positive difference.
Benefits Beyond the Individual
Restorative justice isn’t just about helping the person who made a mistake—it benefits the whole community. When people are given a chance to make amends, it reduces the likelihood of repeat offenses. It builds trust among neighbors and strengthens the social fabric of our towns and cities.
In addition, community engagement encourages a culture of empathy and responsibility. Young people see that mistakes don’t have to define a person’s future, and that taking responsibility is a sign of strength. Communities that embrace these practices tend to be safer, more cohesive, and more resilient.
Challenges and Considerations
Of course, restorative justice isn’t a perfect solution. It requires willing participants, skilled facilitators, and ongoing support from the community. Not every situation can be resolved through dialogue, and some harm is difficult to repair. But even in challenging cases, the principles of accountability, empathy, and community involvement can guide positive outcomes.
One challenge I’ve noticed is skepticism from both the public and some officials. People often think that restorative justice lets offenders “off the hook.” In reality, it requires active participation, reflection, and tangible efforts to repair harm. It’s accountability in action, not avoidance.
How New Mexico Can Lead the Way
New Mexico has a unique opportunity to embrace restorative justice and community engagement. With strong local networks, community programs, and a focus on rehabilitation, our state can be a model for balancing justice with humanity. By investing in training facilitators, supporting programs, and encouraging participation, we can create a system that heals rather than just punishes.
Community leaders, local businesses, and volunteers all have a role to play. Even small actions—mentorship, providing opportunities for education or work, or simply listening—can make a big difference in someone’s life.
A Personal Perspective
I share these thoughts not just as a professional, but as someone who believes deeply in the potential for change. I’ve seen people transform when they are given support, guidance, and the chance to repair relationships. I’ve seen communities come together to solve problems rather than let them fester.
Restorative justice and community engagement are not just programs—they are values. They remind us that we are all connected, that our actions affect others, and that healing is possible when we work together.
If we want safer, stronger, and more resilient communities in New Mexico, we must embrace restorative justice and community engagement. We must be willing to listen, to guide, and to give people opportunities to make amends and grow. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience, compassion, and commitment, it can happen.
I believe in second chances. I believe in communities that heal together. And I believe that through restorative justice, we can create a New Mexico where everyone has the chance to contribute positively, learn from mistakes, and build a better future.