Finding Common Ground: How to Talk About Clean Slate During the Holidays
The holidays are a time for joy and connection — but they can also bring their share of tough conversations. It’s common to debate current events or navigate sensitive topics while gathering around the table or catching up in the living room, but, underneath it all, the holidays remind us of something powerful: forgiveness.
We forgive because we value the bonds we share. We give second chances because our relationships are worth it. And we listen because we care. These same values — connection, understanding, and fresh starts — are at the heart of Clean Slate.
So, how can we bring conversations about Clean Slate to life in a way that resonates with family and friends?
Bring Background Info to Your Conversations
Before talking about Clean Slate, it’s good to have some facts to back up your discussion. Here’s some helpful background info:
Clean Slate laws help people with old arrest or conviction records move forward in life — opening doors to jobs, housing, and opportunities they might not have otherwise.
94% of employers, 90% of landlords, and 72% of colleges and universities use background checks to screen out applicants who have records.
Clean Slate is a policy supported by both sides of the political aisle.
Clean Slate policies use technology to automate the sealing of records for those who meet certain requirements and have remained crime-free for a period of time.
To date, 12 states have passed Clean Slate laws: Pennsylvania, Utah, New Jersey, Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia, Oklahoma, Colorado, California, Minnesota, and New York.
There’s also a federal effort to pass the Clean Slate Act in Congress, because currently, there is no standard process for the sealing of federal records.
Connect Clean Slate to Shared Values
The best way to start a Clean Slate conversation is by highlighting what unites us. No matter our differences, most of us agree on some fundamental truths:
We want safety and stability for our loved ones. Everyone deserves a fair chance to build a better future for themselves and their families.
We believe in redemption. An old mistake shouldn’t define a person’s whole life.
We value fairness. No one should be locked out of opportunities to live a better life because of a bureaucratic system that makes it hard to seal an eligible arrest or conviction record.
By tying Clean Slate to shared values, the conversation becomes less about policy and more about core principles — ones that most people will agree with.
Conversation Starters for Holiday Gatherings
Not sure how to bring up the topic? Here are some ways to ease into the discussion:
If the conversation involves someone applying for a job, a new home rental, or college: “It's amazing to think about how much of an impact an opportunity can make in someone's life. I just learned that most employers, landlords, and even colleges and universities use background checks to screen out applicants who have records. When you have a record, an old mistake can really block you from trying to build a better life.”
If the conversation involves scrolling on social media: “I saw an interesting video the other day; it was all about the kinds of records that define our lives: like birth and adoption records, diplomas and degrees, photographs, letters to loved ones… that kind of stuff. The whole point of the video was that people who have an arrest or conviction record are so much more than that one record. It was pretty powerful. I’ll send you the link!”
If the conversation turns to New Year’s resolutions: “Speaking of New Year’s resolutions... have you heard about Clean Slate? It’s like a fresh start for someone who has an old arrest or conviction record. It helps open doors to jobs, housing, and opportunities they might not have otherwise. It’s a really impactful policy. I’ll send you the website so you can learn more about it!”
If the conversation pauses, and you have an opening to start a new topic: “Here's something that blew my mind recently when I learned it - did you know one in three people in America has a record? That means one of us, or someone one of us knows, is likely carrying that burden. I’ve been following this effort to pass laws that help give people with records a second chance — it’s called Clean Slate. Have you heard about it?”
These talking points aren’t just conversation starters; they’re invitations to find common ground and open hearts.
This holiday season, as you gather with loved ones, let connection, understanding, and shared values guide your conversations. Together, we can create a world where everyone has a real shot at redemption.
Spread the Word with Our Shareable Guides
We created a shareable PDF and a shareable set of graphics for you to help spread the word: check them out below, and download then share with friends and family who want to start their own Clean Slate conversations during the holidays!