Reflections from our first Annual Convening

Last week, partners from across the country gathered in Detroit for the Clean Slate Initiative’s First Annual Convening. While we certainly did our fair share of celebrating Clean Slate victories, the Convening focused on building the movement’s future.

It was inspiring to see people brainstorm, plan, learn, and connect with partners from the country. To recap the Convening, we’ve shared some of our takeaways below.

We are not alone

Some states are on the brink of passing Clean Slate legislation. Others are planning on expanding laws already passed. Whatever the work looks like in your state, know that you are not alone. Our network of partners is filled with strategically minded people. If you want to connect with a partner in the movement who may have experience that can help inform your coalition’s actions, reach out to CSI’s Campaigns Team, and we will do our best to connect you with a thought partner.

And while we are talking about supporting each other, please be sure to support the #CleanSlateNY team as they make a push in the final week of their legislative session to pass S1553/A6399. If you’re wondering what you can do to support the effort, check out this fantastic Social Media Toolkit put together by our New York partners!

Our movement is strong

Our movement draws its strength from our partners. Within the movement, we have organizers, communicators, lobbyists, researchers, and advocates with a wide range of talents and backgrounds. Partners span the ideological spectrum, giving our movement the ability to build connections anchored in shared values that are rooted in community safety, opportunity, human dignity, and redemption.

The road ahead

Our movement is continuing to build steam, but we have a long way to go to make sure everyone has a fair chance at opportunities without the barriers created by having a record. This is a road that we will walk together, and we are thankful for the time and effort that you are investing in our movement.