Circle Up Conference to Bring Youth, Educators, and Organizers Together Around Restorative Justice in Austin

Young people, educators, organizers, and community members will gather later this month in Austin for Circle Up: Youth Leading the Way to Justice by Breaking Cycles of Harm, a restorative justice youth conference designed to center healing, accountability, and transformation.

The conference is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at BUILD Chicago. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

Organizers say the event was shaped by a youth planning committee and is intended to create space for young leaders and community members to explore how restorative justice practices can strengthen neighborhoods and interrupt cycles of harm. Programming will include storytelling, breakout sessions, guest speakers, leadership development opportunities, and conversations about career pathways connected to restorative justice.

Participants will also learn about peace circles, restorative justice courts, and other approaches aimed at building accountability outside punitive systems. Free lunch will be provided.

The event is being organized with support from Austin Coming Together and several West Side partner organizations, including BUILD Chicago, Westside Rising, YourPassion1st, Yrudition, and The Culture.

Registration is available at bit.ly/rjaustin