In this episode, we feature a thought-provoking discussion from CCEJ’s "Building Bridges in Divided Times" webinar, originally recorded for United Against Hate Week in September 2024. Five dynamic panelists explore what it truly means to build bridges in a divided world. They delve into the unmet needs that often fuel conflict and highlight the pow…

In this episode, CCEJ staff Daniel Solis sits with Jenn Harper, Executive Director of Long Beach Day Nursery to explore Long Beach Day Nursery's ongoing journey to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) into its core mission. Listen to insights on what motivated the organization to undertake this transformation and how incorpor…

In this episode, CCEJ’s Executive leadership Reena Hajat Carroll, Daniel Solis and Jessy Needham talk about how CCEJ’s work to foster inclusion and understanding can prevent prejudice and hate. They share stories about the impact of hate on themselves and their communities, and share their vision for how we can build a world free from hate, togethe…

In this episode, CCEJ's Development and Marketing Manager, Vanessa Rodriguez, sits with Khalil Zeigler, Development Manager at Long Beach Forward, to discuss the importance of collaboration and community building among nonprofits. Brought together by Long Beach Gives, they explore how this annual day of giving fosters deeper connections, resource s…

Since the 1950’s CCEJ (previously known as NCCJ) has hosted camps in Southern California for high schoolers to build bridges of understanding across racial identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other identities. Known through the years as Anytown Camp, Brotherhood Camp, Brotherhood Sisterhood Camp, and now Building Bridges Camp, more t…

In this episode of Thriving Together, CCEJ volunteer and Building Bridges Camp alum, Taizin Barnhardt, sits down with Alisa Orduna, a proud Camp alum from the 80’s. Together, they explore the crucial topics of preventing hate in our communities through the lenses of racial and restorative justice. This episode delves into the power of building mean…

In this special episode of Thriving Together, listen in on our keynote conversation with Dr. Tiffany Brown and Dr. Anthony Ocampo at CCEJ’s annual Roots of Justice Breakfast and Convening. The morning keynote conversation with Dr. Brown and Dr. Ocampo provided powerful insights about how inclusion of LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Q…

CCEJ staff Ali Haezart-House interviews former Restorative Youth Diversion participant, Noelia Sanchez. In this episode, their conversation explores how CCEJ’s restorative justice diversion program helps youth face the impact they’ve had on others, start taking accountability, and build systems of support so they can thrive. Noelia shares her exper…

CCEJ staff Vanessa Rodriguez interviews our Executive Director, Reena Hajat Carroll and Executive Director of Groundswell, Alison Edwards. In this episode, Reena and Alison discuss the landscape of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in the workplace. They touch on workplace culture, navigating conflict through restorative justic…

CCEJ staff Vanessa Rodriguez talks with Sarah Howlett and Narges Zagub, members of our Institutional Transformation Team. In this episode, we learn the basics of Restorative Justice and how listeners can make changes in their own lives to help build a world where people live free of oppression and thrive. To learn more about CCEJ’s adult training f…

CCEJ staff Vanessa Rodriguez talks with Lexie Nguyen, Building Bridges Camp Alumni and volunteer facilitator. We learn how Lexie originally heard about CCEJ’s Camp as a high schooler, what it felt like to attend, and how her experience continues to impact her life and her work for social change. “CCEJ profoundly impacted my life today,” Lexie share…

Whatchu Know About RJ | What is the first thing you do in the morning when you get out of bed? Whose land do you wake up on? What is the history of how the land came to be there for you? As part of our series: Expanding the Breath, expanding Restorative Justice into family, society and workplaces we have a conversation with the Editor and Contribut…

Whatchu Know About RJ | “Restorative Justice work extends beyond the school.” In our training, CCEJ complicates individual views of trauma by acknowledging the historical roots of trauma in white supremacy, colonization, capitalism, cisheteropatriarchy. Having this deeper view of trauma is especially important for bringing Restorative Justice pract…

Whatchu Know About RJ | “Restorative Justice work extends beyond the school.” In our training, CCEJ complicates individual views of trauma by acknowledging the historical roots of trauma in white supremacy, colonization, capitalism, cisheteropatriarchy. Having this deeper view of trauma is especially important for bringing Restorative Justice pract…

Whatchu Know About RJ | “Without racial justice there is no justice at my school site.” Making Restorative Justice a reality requires dedication from school leaders through everyday choices. Joining us this episode is Suzanne Caverly, a middle school principal in the Long Beach Unified School District. Suzanne shares her experiences in navigating p…