Darryl Dargitz has participated in conferences convened by the Longmont Community Justice Partnership (LCJP) for over two years. Teaching Peace is the parent organization of the Longmont Partnership and proclaims its mission.

Occasionally, the police department or courts recommend a non-judicial solution for a minor crime. LCJP organizes a conference where the victim is amenable to a non-judicial penalty and where the perpetrator accepts their responsibility in the situation and acts to repair the harm. This process has proven to be more helpful to the victim and results in less recidivism and no police record for the offender.

Dargitz acts as a facilitator under the mediator. In the justice conference, he identifies the harm done to the individual and the community. Dargitz also participates in determining what parts of the contract would satisfy the offense.

"I really respect this process as a way to help a young person see that they need to take responsibility. It's a way to use experience as a way to change modes of behavior."

For information about volunteering with Longmont Community Justice Partnership or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.