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How can we create communities where conflict becomes an opportunity for healing instead of punishment? Today, David Yusem joins us to explore the transformative potential of restorative justice.

David Yusem is a restorative justice leader and conflict transformation practitioner with more than 25 years of experience helping schools and communities build stronger relationships through dialogue, accountability, and repair. As the Restorative Justice Coordinator for Oakland Unified School District, he has helped shape one of the country’s leading restorative justice programs, supporting a shift away from punitive discipline toward approaches rooted in empathy, community, and healing.

In today’s conversation with Phoenix Soleil, David reflects on his journey into restorative justice and explains the philosophy that has guided his work for decades. Together, they explore what restorative justice looks like in practice, why healthy communities must be intentionally cultivated before conflict arises, and how creating spaces for meaningful dialogue can transform the way people experience conflict and accountability.

They also consider the broader implications of restorative justice beyond schools, and David shares his vision for a future where conflict is no longer something to avoid, but an opportunity to build trust, deepen relationships, and create healthier systems that benefit everyone.

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What You’ll Learn:

Discover what inspired David to dedicate his career to restorative justice. [0:02:40]
Learn how restorative justice differs from typical approaches to conflict resolution. [0:08:23]
Explore why and how building community is the foundation for healing. [0:11:21]
Hear how restorative justice transforms conflict through a real-world example. [0:17:48]
Find out how restorative practices create space for accountability and healing. [0:26:40]
David shares his vision for embracing conflict as a pathway to stronger communities. [0:39:18]

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Memorable Quotations:

“Generally speaking, restorative justice comes from indigenous practices. It is inspired by traditional values and practices.” — David Yusem [0:08:40]

“You want to have a community to restore to; otherwise you’re just restoring to the same dysfunctional, toxic, broken thing that the [educational] system has supported.” — David Yusem [0:15:07]

“Discipline should be a learning experience.” — David Yusem [0:36:09]

“Conflict will never go away. It’s a part of being human.” — David Yusem [0:39:20]

“Bullying is the dysfunctional search for connection.” — David Yusem [0:44:33]

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Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

David Yusem – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidyusem/

Oakland Unified School District (OUSD): https://www.ousd.org/

Phoenix Soleil – Website: https://www.phoenixsoleil.com/

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