Upcoming Events

The first annual Survivors4JusticeReform Virginia Event. Save the date! November 7th, 2026.  Tickets can be purchased at https://events.humanitix.com/community-pathways-the-blueprint-for-restorative-justice

At Christopher Newport University, Virginia

Community Pathways: The Blueprint for Restorative Justice

Program Overview

1. Global Keynote Address

• Featured Speaker: Marlee Liss (Founder of S4JR, internationally recognized restorative justice practitioner) — Virtual
• Focus: Somatic healing, survivor autonomy, and restorative accountability.
• Q&A: Interactive audience dialogue following the keynote.

2. Academic & Statistical Foundation

• Featured Speaker: Dr. Steven Keener (Director of the Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice at Christopher Newport University)
• Focus: Critical data on restorative justice outcomes and the science of late-adolescent brain development.

3. Survivor & Community Panel

• Moderator: Faatimah Muwahhid (S4JR-VA State Representative)
• Panelists: Survivors and community justice practitioners representing S4JR-VA, In Search of Peace, and additional survivor-informed advocates.
• Focus: Survivor-centered dialogue, trauma-informed accountability, and community justice practices.

4. Special Feature: VADOC T-Shirt Design Contest & Gallery

• Incarcerated Artist Collaboration: In partnership with three Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) facilities, incarcerated individuals are participating in a statewide design contest to create artwork representing this restorative justice and community healing event.
• Featured Artwork: The winning design will serve as the official event t-shirt for Community Pathways: The Blueprint for Restorative Justice.
• Art Exhibition: All submitted artwork entries from the three facilities will be prominently displayed in an event gallery, providing a platform for expression, redemption, and human connection.

5. Legislative Leadership

• Featured Speakers: Senator Mike Jones and legislative champions
• Focus: Upcoming General Assembly priorities, including the Survivor’s Right to Know bill and Virginia's Youthful Parole Campaign.

6. Campaign & Reentry Spotlights

• Featured Presenters:
  • Christopher Willars (The Life Unit Inc.) — Realities of solitary confinement & essential reentry resources.
  • Nicole Deyo (Bending the Bars) — Beyond the Gates campaign & Youthful Parole advocacy.
• Interactive Feature: On-site mock cell experience allowing audience members to gain perspective on the physical realities of incarceration, alongside interactive presentations on systemic reform and reentry support.