Our Rebuilding Lives Gathering: A day of learning, inspiration and community

More than 100 of you gathered in Salem on April 24th to share in our statewide gathering. This year's theme was "Rebuilding Lives: Creating a Safer Oregon With Political Activism." We shared a day of learning, inspiration and community.

Check out pictures from the day!

We heard from a panel of longtime PSJ members and leadership from different perspectives who used their personal stories to show the need to make sure everyone--survivors of crime, those convicted of crime, and the families of both--have the opportunities to rebuild their lives.

We took workshops on justice reinvestment, storytelling, and election plans, and we learned how to communicate effectively on our issues with friends, family and legislators.

PSJ proudly welcomed renowned author Jennifer Storm as our keynote speaker. Jennifer shared her powerful story of going through adolescence addicted to drugs and alcohol, surviving sexual assault and using her story to organize a movement to provide opportunities for others to rebuild their lives.  (see video at the end of this story)

The day ended with a special presentation and performance by former students of MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility's University of Hope. The students use krump, a form of dance, to practice creative intervention and shape positive futures.

Thanks to all who volunteered and attended. We so look forward to an exciting year of creating change in Oregon's public safety system. To learn more about how you can get involved, e-mail Erika (erika@safetyandjustice) to find out about volunteer opportunities and our Action Teams.