Click here to watch livestream of the event. Follow on social media via #UnlockingOpportunity.
Washington, D.C. — On October 23 and 24, 2017, the Center for American Progress, the National Employment Law Project (NELP), and Community Legal Services (CLS) will be hosting a two-day convening for advocates where experts will participate in an interactive and idea-sharing convening on what states can do to remove barriers to opportunity for people with records and how to continue supporting already successful efforts.
Special guests currently include Gov. Dannel Malloy (D-CT); Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE); Pennsylvania state Reps. Jordan Harris (D) and Sheryl Delozier (R); Roy Austin, former senior adviser to President Barack Obama; Holly Harris, executive director of the Justice Action Network; Lottie Joyner, USA Today contributor; Glenn Martin, founder of JustLeadershipUSA.
The event will highlight a range of successful models, including “clean slate,” which automatically seals minor records after individuals have remained crime-free for a set period, and occupational licensing reform. The following subjects will also be addressed:
- How states are leading the way on removing barriers for people with records
- Envisioning the future of the reform agenda
- Changing the narrative: People with records in the Media
- Clean Slate: From the Pennsylvania State House to the Halls of Congress
- News you can use: Research roundup for advocates
The convening is part of an ongoing three-year, multistate initiative by CAP, NELP, and CLS focused on removing barriers to economic opportunity for Americans with criminal records, building on the work that states have been leading to advance second-chance policies to enable people with records and their families to get back to work and move on with their lives, since criminal justice reform efforts are stalled in Congress.
This event is open to press on Monday 10/23 from 10am to 3pm. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Tanya Arditi at [email protected] or 202.741.6258.