What is Project Reset?

If an adult is arrested for low-level charges in the Bronx, Project Reset: Bronx helps them to resolve their case in the community and avoid a criminal record. Instead of going to court, Project Reset participants attend a restorative circle where they are given the opportunity to build connection with their community through storytelling, explore their arrest experience and the underlying circumstances that contributed to their arrest, and discuss how they can move forward in a positive way.

Please note: During the pandemic, Project Reset circles are conducted in-person and virtually through videoconferencing.
 

What does it mean to be a Project Reset volunteer?

Volunteers participate in 2-hour long group sessions called "restorative circles" with participants who have been arrested, facilitated by program staff. During the circle, participants are encouraged to share stories from their past, explore their arrest experiences, and discuss positive ways to move forward. Volunteers from the Bronx community play an active role in Reset circle discussions, share stories from their own lived experiences, and help participants build stronger community ties.

 

Volunteers receive a small stipend for every circle or training they participate in. Volunteers are able to create their own schedule, sign up for circle sessions that work with their availability, and track their volunteer hours through our electronic volunteer portal. 
 

Who can become a volunteer?
Volunteers must: 

• Be at least 18 years old

• Live, work, or have a significant connection to the Bronx 

• Not have an active/open criminal case (individuals with past criminal legal involvement or a criminal record are eligible and encouraged to apply)

• Not work as a professional in the Bronx criminal court system (examples: judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, clerk, etc.)

• Be available to volunteer during the weekday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

• Have reliable access to the internet, an email address, and the ability to participate in a video call on your phone or computer
   

What are the expectations of volunteers? 

• Attend a full-day training with the Project Reset Team (approximately 6 hours during a week day)

• Commit to volunteering for at least one circle session per month

  • Circles are 2 hours long and take place between the hours of 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

 

I am able to volunteer! How do I sign up?

Please submit an application through our volunteer platform, Volunteer Hub. Once you’ve completed an application, you will then have access to sign-up for a required meet and greet with one of our Project Reset staff members. We will update you with further details after the meet and greet! 

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Questions? Contact us at ProjectResetBX@courtinnovation.org, 718-618-1550

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