Collective Climb

About Collective Climb

Collective Climb is a Black feminist organization empowering youth and communities in Philadelphia through restorative justice–a simple belief that we belong to each other, and as such, we have a duty to care for and be accountable to each other. We accomplish this work through four core offerings:

• The Restorative Justice Diversion Program tends to felony-level harm in the community, not carceral system by receiving referrals from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office for arrested youth and the person they harmed. Once the youth has practiced direct accountability and both parties have the material and emotional support needed to thrive, we close the case. Youth have their records expunged 6-months upon completion.

• The Restorative Community Project (RCP) is our paid fellowship for teenage girls/femmes to consider how restorative practices can transform us, our relationships, and the neighborhoods we call home.

• The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) grants graduates of RCP or diversion paid opportunities to organize events or co-facilitate cases for our diversion program. Reflecting on his experience as YAB member, Rumi stated, “Collective Climb is a perfect place for you to act on your passions related to helping change the environment around you… I was able to utilize my capabilities and actually put them to work somewhere.” 

• Collective Kickbacks are community events/workshops designed to bridge relational gaps by building trust and centering joy.

We recently celebrated five years, and in that time, we have supported 78 youth through our diversion program. 97% have not been rearrested, proving that restorative justice responds to violence and curbs it. Of the 96 youth who have completed RCP, 94% agree that Collective Climb provides a safe space to grow and find community. Further, we’ve taught hundreds of neighbors, teachers, and students about restorative justice, and we’ve given hundreds more a warm environment to just be.