The Saint Louis Area Restorative Justice Collaboration began in March 2004, when a group of people working in or interested in restorative justice met for the first time. They gathered to meet, network, share expertise and to begin developing a broad based coalition of people involved in and committed to restorative justice. Overall, the goal was and continues to be to move restorative justice from “programs” to a way of thinking and living.

In 2006, the group adopted by-laws and official board positions began in 2007. In the spirit of restorative justice, the group adopted a consensus, Circles, method of decision-making rather than voting on issues in business meetings in 2011. This has served the Collaboration well.

The Collaboration has hosted events within the community to raise awareness of and educate the public about restorative justice. In March, 2005, the Missouri Restorative Justice Coalition, a state-wide group, was formed and many of the public events were co-hosted by both groups. Community education events are:

• April, 2005 - “A Forum on Restorative Justice” at the University City library
• November, 2005 - Three events during International Restorative Justice Week
• A movie/art show held at Central Reform Congregation featuring “Long Night’s Journey Into Day” about the Truth and Reconciliation Council’s activities in South Africa. Linda Biehl is featured in the movie and led the discussion afterward.
• A forum on Restorative Justice held on the UMSL campus
• Co-sponsored presentation with the Katherine Buder American Indian Center, Washington University George Brown School of Social Work, highlighting activities focusing on Native Americans and Restorative Justice.
• April, 2006 – “Restorative Justice 101” training at the St. Louis Police Academy
• October, 2006 - One of many sponsors for Peace Colloquy RJ Conference, Independence, Missouri.
• April, 2007 – Table at national Crime Victims’ Rights Week kick-off at St. Louis Mills
• July, 2007 – Training “In the Aftermath of Crime: Responding to Victim Trauma”
• November, 2007 – Showing of “Beyond Conviction” and discussion at The Ethical Society
• April, 2008 - Table at National Crime Victims’ Rights Week kick-off at Lucas School House
• April, 2009 – Presentation – “Beyond Just Us: Restorative Justice in St. Louis” , film and victim speakers in St. Louis for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
• December 2009 - "Building on Basics: Utilizing Restorative Justice skills to enhance your practice" training at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
• November, 2010 – “Peacemaking Circle Training”, a three day intensive training conducted by Kay Pranis held at Connections to Success, St. Charles Campus.
• March, 2011 - STLARJC holds Bi-Monthly Consensus Business Meetings and Bi-Monthly Circle Practice - An Ongoing Intensive Practicum as noted below!