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Recognizing November 2026 as National Restorative Justice Month and honoring the power of art, healing, and community through the collaborative efforts of The Barnes Foundation, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and Creative Philadelphia
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WHEREAS, National Restorative Justice Month is observed every November to increase awareness of restorative justice practices and programs. Restorative justice aims to increase offender responsibility while recognizing the needs of the community, repairing harm through a focus on relationships and voluntary participation; and
WHEREAS, Restorative justice is a set of practices and a broader philosophy that bridges the gaps in traditional punitive systems, providing a way for those in the prison system to take accountability and reintegrate into their greater community. Incarceration negatively impacts an individual's wellbeing in addition to their economic, family, and community stability; and
WHEREAS, Restorative justice is associated with a decrease in recidivism and an increase in overall quality of life. Restorative justice practices can improve outcomes for both victims and offenders, including satisfaction, procedural justice and fairness, and offender accountability. A study by the Justice Research and Statistics Association showed a 32 percent decrease in recidivism; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the efforts of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, and other advocates for restorative justice, Philadelphia has seen significant progress. According to the Philadelphia Prison Population Report as of August 2026, the city's total prison population decreased by 56.1 percent from 2015. It decreased by an additional 32.8 percent between July 2024, when the population was 4,811, and August 2026, when it was 3,232; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has increased early diversion, implemented strategies for efficient case processing, reduced reliance on bail, standardized data collection and reporting, and invested in community-based services. Through the efforts of Philadelphia and the community, the criminal justice system has made significant strides; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, incarceration and experiences in the justice system negatively impact individuals, children, and families, leading to challenges that span generations. While the prison population has decreased, many demographics experience significantly higher incarceration rates, with Black Philadelphians comprising approximately 73 percent of the current prison population, according to the April 2026 Philadelphia Prison Population Report. The persistence of racial and economic disparities in the justice system necessitates further effort toward restorative justice; and
WHEREAS, Mural Arts Philadelphia's Restorative Justice Program uses art education and personal development to facilitate the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into their communities. The program emphasizes work readiness, aiming to empower participants through the cultivation of personal connections and meaningful artistic and vocational skills; and
WHEREAS, In partnership with The Barnes Foundation, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and Creative Philadelphia, Councilmember At-Large Jim Harrity will host the Second Annual Art in City Hall exhibit in honor of National Restorative Justice Month. This collaborative exhibition honors the stories and portraits of individuals who have experienced the transformative power of second chances; and
WHEREAS, National Restorative Justice Month is a reminder of the importance of justice reform, our responsibility to members of the community affected by incarceration, and the need to support initiatives that rebuild lives and restore communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes November 2026 as "National Restorative Justice Month" in Philadelphia and honors The Barnes Foundation, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and Creative Philadelphia for their ongoing partnership in advancing restorative justice through art, education, and community engagement.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Barnes Foundation, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and Creative Philadelphia as a symbol of the profound respect and admiration felt by this legislative body and the citizens of Philadelphia for their dedication to healing, accountability, and the arts as pathways to justice.
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