First, restorative justice is not just a new program; it is a new set of principles upon which the total operation of the system is to be based. Second, top-down reforms must begin at the top; in addition to good enabling policy and legislation, leadership and risk-taking from managers and key decisionmakers also are needed. Third, government cannot do it alone; victims, other citizens, and community groups must assume an active and empowered role in the response to crime and criminals. Fourth, communities cannot do it alone; citizens and community groups need support and training in the principles and basic practice of restorative justice. Fifth, community is not a place; "community," for the purposes of restorative justice, may well be the relatives and supporters of the offender and the relatives and supporters of the victim. Sixth, do not design a strategy to repair the harm caused by crime without the input of those most affected by crime. Seventh, address crime victims' issues first; and eighth, do not present restorative justice as something only for victims. Other lessons are to give victims multiple options; do not try to "fly solo;" a balanced approach does not mean balancing punishment and treatment; community service needs community input and involvement; restorative justice cannot isolate itself from mainstream juvenile justice policy debates; treatment is not reintegration; you are what you measure; and staff need training in the management of victim and community involvement. 4 references