We are so excited for the 2026 Beyond the Bars Conference, March 26-29th in New York City!
We are currently accepting proposals for workshops for the 2026 conference. Proposals are due January 9, 2026.
This year's conference theme is "Rooted In...". Together we will explore what it means to be rooted: in our communities, building networks of care that endure; in our history of resistance, drawing wisdom from those who came before us; and in global solidarity, linking struggles across borders through shared care and collective power. Like the roots of trees in a forest, we must connect our communities locally and globally, sharing resources and strength to withstand ongoing oppression.
Times of uncertainty, instability, and unrest have always produced powerful art, transformative ideas, and movements that shape history. In uncertain times, staying rooted—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally—keeps us connected to what sustains us while opening pathways to new skills and strategies. For this year’s workshops, we want attendees to walk away with tangible skills and resources around organizing, community building, advocacy, self/community defense, and more that they can bring back to teach others in their communities.
We look forward to reading this year’s proposals!
Please note: As we offer this conference for free to attendees and accept 30+ workshops each year, we are not able to compensate workshop leaders at this time. Thanks for your understanding. Many workshop leaders in the past have received support from their organizations or universities to facilitate their workshops.
