Request for Workshop Proposals
In 2025, we are celebrating 15 YEARS of Beyond the Bars Conferences! This year, we are hoping to feature topics discussed at our conferences over the past 15 years and also envision the future of our movement together. Beyond the Bars 2025 will feature a collection of 75-minute workshops aimed at the theme of “Sankofa”- looking back to retrieve that which is at risk of being left behind. These workshops should facilitate learning, and develop and share practical skills related to themes highlighted at past Beyond the Bars Conferences or future reflections on organizing beyond the bars. It is our intention that the workshops offer a chance for attendees to grow their skills, their community, and their opportunities to engage in the work of justice.
Some past conferences themes/focuses include:
- Addressing violence and safety without carceral responses
- Strategies for challenging a carceral society
- Restorative justice
- Climate justice
- The incarceration of women and girls and efforts to free them
- Strategies for closing jails and prisons
- Connecting the struggles/intersectionality of our movements
- Highlighting advocacy and organizing efforts
- Developing students’ skills to address the impact of incarceration
In your proposal, please emphasize tangible takeaways for participants and the ways you will facilitate this through active participation and/or gaining a deeper understanding of an issue. Priority will be given to workshops that directly engage with the theme of the conference.
We are especially excited about workshops and or trainings that provide the opportunities and/or resources for continued involvement after the conference weekend—either through one’s individual actions or through involvement with a group.
All workshops will be 75-minute blocks and take place on either Saturday March 8th or Sunday, March 9th, 2025 at Columbia University School of Social Work. Because of the number of workshops, we are not able to accommodate requests for day and time preferences.
Proposal submission deadline is Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
SUBMIT HERE
